First year architecture students from Falmouth University are gaining valuable industry experience in a live-build project with the National Trust and artist Callum Mitchel.

In a commission by the National Trust, Penzance-based Callum has been exploring Cornwall’s mining heritage, collating stories from people in the Tin Coast area of west Cornwall to make a film, which will be screened in a structure designed and build by Falmouth students. 

Tom Ebdon, architecture course leader at Falmouth, said: “Students have been working with Callum to design a temporary pavilion which will act as a clifftop cinema in a yet to be announced location in west Cornwall. Using recycled and reclaimed materials they’ll start the build onsite in early November.

“Students get so much out of these kind of collaborations and live builds, not only is it a chance to work with industry but they get to design specifically for a unique place, learning on the job and responding to location challenges. This kind of experience is at the heart of the architecture course.” 

Student Jamison Boll, from Mullion, said: “We worked in groups to come up with design ideas for the project, which we pitched to Callum and the National Trust.

“They chose another design but liked elements from our idea. This is a really interesting and challenging project for us as first year architecture students to get involved with, I really appreciate the opportunity and am looking forward to the live build experience.”

Film screenings and questions and answers with Callum will take place from November 9 to December 1. The project is called Gorthwedh, which means ‘contrast’ in the Cornish language.

Visit the National Trust website to find out more and buy tickets.

Mark Jenkin, who is an associate lecturer at Falmouth, is also collaborating on the project, working closely with Callum to create a textural feel for Gorthwedh on 16mm film.

Mark has recently received critical acclaim for his latest feature-film, BAIT.