A model idea by imaginative Manchester architects

An enterprising firm of Manchester architects has launched an imaginative initiative to keep both parents and children entertained during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Kelsall Architects, who are based at the iconic Canada House in the city, are asking families to download templates of their favourite buildings in Manchester and Stockport and then make models of them.

Naomi Kelsall, co-director of Kelsall Architects, explained: “As soon as the lockdown began, we recognised the difficult task for parents suddenly finding themselves having to entertain and educate their own children, whilst at the same time delivering on their own work and responsibilities.

“Making models of famous and much-loved buildings around Manchester and Stockport, and creating your own city at home, is a creative and educational distraction for both children and their parents. This is our little bit to help.

“The reaction has been really positive, with models of Canada House, where our offices are, and the Hat Works and Stopford House in Stockport, all proving popular. The Hat Works model has been devised in collaboration with Manchester artist Eamonn Murphy.

“Lots of adults have said they are going to do it with their children with even more saying they were going to do it themselves. It seems to be tapping into people’s imagination and their fondness of the buildings they can’t visit at the moment. We are enjoying seeing the finished results of those who are brave enough to put their creations up on social media.”

Samuel Lawson Johnston, of developers Kinrise, the landlords of Canada House, commented: “This is a fabulous initiative in these testing times. It’s not just a way of entertaining and educating both parents and children, but it is also a homage to the inspiring architecture of Manchester and Stockport, including our very own Canada House.

“The lockdown has thrown up many challenges, not least teaching children at home and juggling that difficult work-life balance. This excellent idea addresses this and gives families a shared appreciation of the history and the beauty of their surroundings,” he said.

Naomi added: “We are particularly fond of Manchester’s historic industrial buildings and are really proud to call Canada House our home, along with many other great businesses there.

“The building was originally an Edwardian packing warehouse but we love that the architects at the time were so forward thinking; designing flexibility for future uses. This is the reason that the building has remained occupied since it was first built in 1909 and still provides an inspiring working environment today.

“Buildings like these, and many others around Manchester and Stockport, are the subject of this Covid Creative project and we love to draw attention to the buildings that are so important in forming the identity of our city.

“Hopefully, through the process of making these mini paper versions of their favourite buildings, people will find out something new, notice a special detail or understand more about how and why a particular building was built like it was,” she added.