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Adapting heritage spaces for modern business with HELIX

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HELIX Case Studies
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Two third-year MEng Architecture students, Lana Mahmoud and Jana Elmesallamy, are redefining historic Leeds buildings, merging preservation with modern functionality. Their architectural proposals not only honour heritage but also adapt spaces for contemporary businesses. 

Location: HELIX Makerspace

Aims: To repurpose Leeds' historic architecture to suit modern business needs for unique clients—Traveleyes, a travel agency for visually impaired travelers, and Okhtein, a luxury Egyptian brand celebrating cultural heritage.

Output:

  • Lana Mahmoud: A proposal that retains structural integrity while enhancing accessibility for Traveleyes.
  • Jana Elmesallamy: A scale model of a repurposed 19th-century foundry, creating a new home for Okhtein.

Impact: These works were highlighted in the University’s Architecture Exhibition, showcasing how thoughtful design can merge tradition and innovation to meet the evolving needs of today’s businesses.

Why did you choose HELIX for your project?

Jana: “I chose HELIX because it allowed me to efficiently 3D-print a model for my proposal, saving me time and providing a high-quality finish. This space enabled me to refine other elements of my project.”

Lana: “HELIX was the first campus space I knew of with 3D printing, and I knew this would be ideal for creating a high-quality model efficiently.”

How did working with HELIX help you to achieve your aims? 

Jana: “The HELIX facilities made it easy to import my Revit file to the 3D printers. The helpful staff also assisted with setup and troubleshooting, making it a smooth process.”

 

Do you have any advice to share from your HELIX experience: 

Lana: “If you’re interested in the technology here, just try it out! The space is very user-friendly, with plenty of help available.”

Jana: “Book your 3D printer slot in advance—especially around end-of-term, as it’s very popular.”

 

Explore HELIX Makerspace for your next project and discover the tools to bring your visions to life. Book a visit or secure a 3D printing slot today and start transforming ideas into reality!