Civil engineering and architectural technology students heading for Sheffield
Two students from the School of Engineering and Built Environment will represent the University at the UK 2018 Urban Buzz Design Competition.
The competition, which is sponsored by industry and TRADA (Timber Research and Development Association), aims to inspire the next generation of timber trailblazers to design iconic buildings and engineering solutions in wood.
Taking place in Sheffield on Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24, the Urban Buzz competition is a ‘charrette-style’ challenge for engineering and architecture students to further engage with design professionals and industry.
Katy Horner - studying Architectural Technology - and Howard Schofield - studying Civil Engineering, both 3rd year students - will represent the University.
Professor Sean Smith, who co-ordinated the University team entry, said: “I am delighted Katy and Howard are representing the School and the University at this year’s exciting UK Urban Buzz challenge. Our School of Engineering and Built Environment hosts the CIAT Centre of Excellence in Architectural Technology and our Civil Engineering program was voted No.1 in the UK for student satisfaction in the recent National Student Survey.
"We have a strong engagement with industry which assists our students for their future careers and employment. The Urban Buzz competition provides a further example of our support to our students to engage with industry and their peers on the national stage.”
The Urban Buzz challenge has a strong focus on low carbon sustainable buildings of the future. Globally, the use of timber based buildings is increasing and Edinburgh Napier University was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in 2015 due to the positive impact on industry and society from the research being undertaken by staff and students for sustainable construction, timber engineering and wood science.
The applied research is led by the Institute for Sustainable Construction which has developed research and knowledge exchange partnerships with over 40 countries.
A scheme which gives people the chance to study for university level qualifications while in paid full-time employment is being expanded into two new Schools at the university this year, including the School of Engineering and Built Environment. Graduate Apprenticeships in Civil Engineering and Built Environment will be on offer from September.