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The exhibition explores the role of physical models in architecture through their history, craft and changing technologies that support their continued use in new digital ways.

The workshop made a significant unique contribution to the project that has helped researchers better understand the design process behind one of the UK’s most iconic buildings; The Royal Albert Hall. Records of planning meetings that took place during the Hall’s development made mention of a model being used to inform design decisions. It was assumed this model was lost until 2019 when it was rediscovered in a heavily damaged state in a room at the Hall itself. Efforts were made to restore the piece and a reconstructed fragment was completed showing a part of what might have been.

B.15 staff took on the task of analysing the fragment in order to replicate the model in a more complete form as it might have appeared in the mid-1800s. This involved the comparison of reference images and original plans. Workshop technicians Scott Miller and Saul Parker-Backhouse began the task alongside Manchester School of Architecture students Ruben Greyson and Cezara Mișca to produce a faithful interpretation of the original in time for the exhibition opening.

Workshop Technician Scott Miller said: “It was a pleasure to collaborate on such a precarious project and a truly insightful experience for me, Saul and our student assistants.

"We look forward to our continued involvement with the exhibition and are honoured to support the V&A, Building Centre and superb range of architectural practices that make up the content of the Shaping Space exhibition.” 

More information:

• Find out more about our  and on social media @b15workshop.
•  is open at the Building Centre until 28 January 2022. Free to visit Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm.
• More about the Royal Albert Hall project can be found on the .