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NTU BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student helps design and develop the new Design & Digital Arts (D&DA) building

Kieran Patel, a current BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student has had a great opportunity to help design and develop NTU’s new Design & Digital Arts (D&DA) building.

    An image of the new DaDa Building and Kieran Patel
    Side by side images of the Design & Digital Arts building and Kieran smiling at the camera.

    Kieran is currently studying BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology, a degree that integrates elements of science, architecture, and design. As an Architectural Technology student, Kieran has seized the opportunity to explore his areas of passion, focusing on technical design, construction, and innovation within the industry. Additionally, he has honed his skills and expanded his knowledge through engagements with leading architects, establishing valuable connections at networking events, and participating in team-building exercises.

    Render of the interior of the DaDa building of students working and lounging.
    Staircase inside the Design & Digital Arts building with individuals walking down them, doing work and filming.

    Securing his placement at CPMG Architects through NTU's mock interview system, Kieran now works as an Architectural Technologist Assistant at the firm. His time so far has been marked by a wealth of knowledge, from delving into technical intricacies in the office environment to gaining insights during site visits. The supportive atmosphere at CPMG Architects has provided Kieran with patient guidance and mentorship throughout his tenure.

    During his placement, Kieran has had the privilege to contribute to the design and development of NTU’s new Design & Digital Arts building - the latest addition to Nottingham School of Art & Design’s impressive portfolio. In his role as an architectural assistant, he has assisted in drawing packages, drafted details, and executed 3D modelling tasks. Noteworthy contributions include, the design of key elements such as the bespoke feature stair handrail, strip sections, and the 3D modelling of the topography. Kieran's unique perspective as a current student has facilitated the integration of innovative ideas into the building's design, underscoring the significance of his involvement in a project that will not only serve as a landmark on the University campus but also as a resource for his own future endeavours.

    Alex Walker, Associate at CPMG Architects, only has words of praise about Kieran’s involvement in the project:

    “Since Kieran joined CPMG from NTU in October 2023 he has been heavily involved in the Design & Digital Arts project. He has brought fresh and innovative skills to the team, which is a credit to the tuition received at University. Allowing Kieran to employ his skills on an NTU project has proved a satisfying experience and he is now sharing his practice experience with current NTU students. Following his input on the D&DA project Kieran has moved onto other projects in the practice including a complex Passivhaus scheme in London. The broad skills and flexible approach learnt at NTU has enabled Kieran to seamlessly move between projects and to make a valued contribution on each. Based on the success of Kieran and his input on the D&DA project we have encouraged CPMG to recruit future placement students from NTU.”

    Render of the interior of the new DaDa building with students and staff walking and sitting in the cafeteria
    Large open working space for individuals to collaborate in inside the Design & Digital Arts building.

    The Design & Digital Arts building is set to open for its first intake of students this September, featuring cutting-edge facilities and industry standard tech that will provide students with sector-leading expertise as they prepare for successful careers in the growing creative industries. There will be a VR Production Studio, an In-camera VFX Studio and a Black Box Studio, all set up with the latest digital technologies. Innovative new studio and work spaces will encourage student collaboration, and there is space to socialise and reflect with a café on the ground floor and a green wall balcony, looking out across NTU’s iconic Arkwright and Newton buildings.

    This will be a landmark new building for the creative industries in Nottingham, helping to secure NTU’s reputation as a global leader in design and digital arts education. It will place Nottingham as a new UK hub for film, animation, TV production, motion graphics, VFX, illustration, gaming and graphic design, and we are so proud that it has been built with the help of one of our incredibly talented students.

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    Discover more about the new Design & Digital Arts building by visiting our website.