RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 8 ~ POST 4
EXHBITION - final model.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 8 ~ POST 1
EXHBITION
We arrived at the mill first thing in the morning and built the exhibition in a couple of hours. We were really pleased with the quality of work, and the quantity was just right for the space we had.
The collaborators at Islington Mill were also impressed and expressed that if any of the students wished to realise their designs over the summer they would be most welcome to continue working with the mill! A successful end to a great couple of weeks.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 8 ~ POST 2
EXHBITION

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 8 ~ POST 3
EXHBITION

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 7 ~ POST 4
PREPARING FOR EXHBITION
We considered the method we would use to hang the pieces in the exhibition space at the mill. We settled on double sided tape for pieces on the walls as this would give a clean appearance. We would also hang some pieces from a beam using string and bulldog clips. This would enable us to partition the space.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 7 ~ POST 3
PREPARING FOR EXHBITION
We also began to print off the main visuals for the exhibition. This included a variety of size pieces - concept sketches and development work at A3 and larger A2 and A1 pieces of the final images.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 7 ~ POST 2
The canopy model and furniture models were added to the site model.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 7 ~ POST 1
The site model was glued together ready for the design models to be added.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 5 ~ POST 2
1:50 test model of the canopy system.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 6 ~ POST 2
We stained the wall pieces of the site model.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 5 ~ POST 2
The students began to produce 1:50 models which will be presented in the site model for the exhibition.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 5 ~ POST 1
The groups continued to work on the development of the canopy and the outdoor furniture, producing sketch models and drawings.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 4 ~ POST 3
The Mill had suggested the use of pallets as a material which they have readily available and therefore can easily use without incurring unaffordable expense on materials. We collected some pallets from the MMU Students' Union in order to assess how they may be taken apart and reconstructed.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 4 ~ POST 2 [SITE MODEL]
The sanding machines used to mitre the edges to allow the pieces to fit together neatly.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 4 ~ POST 1
We started on the site model of the courtyard. This involved using the laser cutter to etch the details of the elevations; the pieces were then cut to size using the bandsaw.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 3 ~ POST 3
Some of the students chose to use CAD programs. Some were familiar already and others received some guidance.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 3 ~ POST 2
The students began to develop their initial concepts using further sketches and maquette models.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 2 ~ POST 1
Day two began with an aura of intelligence and excitement. Divided into three teams, one for each wall of the courtyard, the students began to draw up the elevations of the site utilising their various strengths of drawing methods. These drawings were then combined to make a model of the site.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 2 ~ POST 5
While the clouds bringing snow darkened the room, we attempted to master the complexities of the light switch in our studio room. A more challenging feat than you might expect. Once this was achieved, group two began discussing, mind mapping and drawing initial sketches for furniture that could be installed in the courtyard. Their initial thoughts stem from the scrap materials found within the artist studio and bar area, mostly wooden pallets. The two groups will continue their exciting journey of exploration over the following days to hopefully reach their final destination of design by Friday. By then, a combined proposal will be reached featuring furniture, planting and shelter for the users of the studio.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 2 ~ POST 4
For the remainder of the afternoon, group one began to draw initial concept sketches for what they would like to see for a canopy for the courtyard area.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 2 ~ POST 3
After the gruelling task of drawing up elevations and plans, moral was low. We decided to have some group design sessions, during the afternoon snow shower, where we all huddled around the drawing board and discussed ideas. Each person conjured up thoughts around four different concepts and then formed two groups based around people with similar concepts.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 1 ~ POST 4
We eventually found a warm space in which to situate ourselves, which coincidentally turned out to be our exhibition space. The exhibition will take place next Thursday (5th May) at the MIll, so PLEASE COME. Between now and then we have much work to do but we continue to look optimistically forward. Stay classy MSA.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 1 ~ POST 3
The courtyard was a more inviting space to conduct our project. It is linked to the public realm and the geometry of the space was intriguing to work with. The Mill are also planning on undertaking re[n]ovations this summer so there is a greater chance of the projects actually being realised.

The first step was to conduct a site survey of the space. This proved difficult as the cold had frozen our digits and the distometre had run out of battery. Nevertheless we whipped out our tape measures, dug deep into the depths of our inner strength and found the motivation to go on.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 1 ~ POST 2
The first task was to decide on what space to "Re[n]ovate". The choices were either the freezing courtyard or derelict studio on the 5th floor (pictured). The studio was particularly uninviting, and managed to be colder than outside: the ceiling boards dangled from the sprinkler system and smell was less than enticing. We felt the design opportunities for the space were not as good as the courtyard, as the space and requirements were less flexible.

RE[N]OVATE THE MILL // DAY 1 ~ POST 1
We met in the Benzie cafe and then trekked to Salford to visit the mill. Everyone attended which was fab. The weather was appropriately horrendous, and the walk was far longer than expected but we powered through while maintaining a positive outlook on life. On arrival the group was briefed on the upcoming tasks and given a tour of the mill by the building manager, Stina.

First meeting notice.

Risk assessment

Sessions Plan

Information Letter