Building better buildings – summer school in France
By Eleanor Meynell, MEng (Hons) Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, 2024
When I signed up for the Builders Summer School in France, I expected to gain new engineering skills and enhance my CV. However, I didn’t anticipate the profound cultural and historical immersion I would experience. By the end of the month, I had gained more than just technical knowledge. I made friends from universities across Europe, experienced the value of cooperation in engineering projects, and felt the excitement of being in an environment where open-minded individuals could express innovative ideas.
The BUILDERS is conveniently located just a 15-20 minute tram journey from the center of Caen. We stayed onsite in private rooms on campus, living alongside other international students and enjoying weekly socials in the common area. These social interactions enriched my experience, creating a sense of community for us.
In the Sustainable Building Summer School, my group of nine was tasked with a reconversion proposal for a brownfield site in the nearby village of Honfleur. This project allowed me to explore sustainable architecture, a field quite different from my current studies in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. After visiting the site, we presented a proposal to revitalize the area while respecting and restoring historical elements and building materials. What was once an unloved shipping storage area, we proposed to convert into a nature-inspired, relaxing destination for visitors to the town. Our proposal included a small hotel, a restaurant, and a naval museum, leaving room for large green and wooded areas, as well as an open space with views across the water.
Throughout the weeks of working on our proposal, guided by professors at Builders, my team and I developed a detailed report to support our presentation to a panel of judges. This project also provided me with the opportunity to learn new software such as Revit, CYPE Therm, and UBAKUS, further enhancing my technical skills.
While developing my technical skills was fulfilling, I also thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the area. My visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing, so I spent much of my free time visiting museums and exploring the city of Caen. This was also where the Paris Olympic torch passed through during our second week, so we spent the evening to attending the event together with many other students.
In the end, my time in France was about more than just engineering. It was about understanding the importance of historical context in modern projects, building lasting friendships, and enjoying the vibrant culture of the region. For future students, I would advise socialising with other students as much as possible and being open-minded about new ideas. The BUILDERS Summer School provided me with valuable experiences that went beyond the classroom and have had an impact on my personal and professional growth.
Share
Comments are closed
Comments to this thread have been closed by the post author or by an administrator.