Wheels in motion

Create a cycling super hub using British timber in the Steel City: this was the challenge thrown to students up and down the country by TRADA in its National Student Design Competition.

And, judging by the quality - and quantity - of entries so far, the students are proving that two wheels are indeed better than four. As TTJ went to press more than 40 entries had been received, with more promised.

Organised by TRADA through its successful University Engagement Programme (UEP), the National Student Design Competition is tasking students with designing a new, landmark timber building for Sheffield. This year's competition is dubbed Velocity in British Timber and entries have been from a range of universities including ones the UEP has not directly worked with before.

"The introduction of a TRADA National Student Design Competition has really done what we wanted, extending the interest and knowledge of TRADA and the UEP to new students and lecturers," said Elizabeth Turner, university liaison manager for TRADA's UEP.

The competition has already received the backing of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG), the cross-political body whose mission is to promote all forms of cycling.

The group recently published the 'Get Britain Cycling' report with 18 recommendations to boost cycling from less than 2% of journeys in 2011, to 10% in 2025, and 25% by 2050.

With this in mind, TRADA's Velocity in British Timber is perfect timing to get people thinking about using their bikes. The final design will include a park and cycle super hub for up to 1,000 cycles and smaller 'satellite' hubs for up to 50 cycles to be located strategically around the city centre to serve commuters who would otherwise use their cars. In addition, the design will include ancillary facilities such as a cycle retail/ workshop space; changing facilities for cyclists and community groups (for example, football field users); a multi-use community space for events and training and so on; and a café space.

Critically, the building must be designed using British timber species and products. The concept should be creative and adventurous and celebrate British timber in the city, which already has a superb timber building in the Winter Garden.

"We chose British timber to be a challenge because we do get asked a lot about local sourcing and this was definitely one reason to use British timber as part of the challenge," explained Ms Turner.

"Another reason was it gives us an opportunity get students to explore a wide range of timber products and how they are manufactured - looking at emerging technologies in this country shows how sophisticated other regions around the globe already are.

"By choosing British timber for this competition, we are able to showcase the opportunities available for home-grown wood. It is essential that we continue to push products that are closer to home."

The competition has also attracted some high-profile judges, with designer Wayne Hemingway confirmed as a judge for the shortlisting, alongside Julian Huppert MP, co-chairman of the APPCG, and leading timber designers The shortlist will be announced soon and there will then be a final judging event in early July. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.

Lecturers and students can find out more, including how to enter, by downloading the full brief at: www.trada.co.uk/academic/ designcompetitions. Alongside TRADA's extensive academic resources offering advice and support on timber in construction it is making further information on British timber available to students to assist with the design process.