Nearly 60 AUB third year architectural students had the chance to see behind-the-scenes at Bobby & Co in the heart of Bournemouth.
The building is currently undergoing a significant renovation to the top floor and façade aimed at restoring the former department store to its former glory.
Four sessions took place with the students who received 30 minutes of presentations by the project’s construction and consultant team.
They were followed by Q&As and a tour of the site to see the action, progress and innovation being made in the building project.
Presenting were Ashley Harris of Spetisbury Construction, Matt Allibone from Whitefox – Chartered Surveyors – and Mike Ford, Footprint Architects.
All three are heavily engaged in the project working for their client, Verve Properties.
Spetisbury Construction is principal contractor.
Works being undertaken at Bobby & Co include:
- Demolition and re-roofing works
- New steel fire escape staircases
- Refurbishment of the rear fourth floor to form new offices
- New air handling system for the entire building
- New mechanical, electrical, fire, access, security systems
- New doors and windows and refurbishments and various structural works.
Melanie Kaviani, Senior Lecturer, PSA Architecture at AUB, said: “It’s been brilliant to be here with our students.
“Listening to and seeing the consultants working together and their collaborative approach is insightful for the students.
“It gives them a snapshot of all that we are teaching them, from inception to completion of a project.
“This is not usually seen so is a great exercise for them.”
