Building Beyond Blueprints
Aggie students take on full-scale structures in the U.K., gaining the practical skills that define tomorrow’s construction leaders.
In an era where technological advancements are reshaping every field, the Texas A&M Department of Construction Science remains deeply committed to hands-on, foundational learning.
At the forefront of this commitment is senior lecturer Gary Boldt, who champions the transformative Constructionarium program in the United Kingdom, turning Aggie students into confident, capable construction leaders through real-world application.
The Constructionarium program, a unique study abroad experience, is an intensive, weeklong immersion where students build full-scale replicas of iconic structures, directly applying classroom knowledge to a dynamic construction site.
The Constructionarium Journey
The idea of bringing Constructionarium to Texas A&M originated in 2016 when Ray Grisham, then leading a summer study abroad, discovered the program. Initially established by U.K. construction firms as a training and recruitment tool, it allowed students to gain practical experience while companies identified future talent.
"They sent university students to participate in building, and as they watched these students work. They would, at the end, offer them jobs," Boldt explained.
This model resonated with the department's vision for practical education. After Grisham's retirement, Professor Steve Rogers continued the initiative, and Boldt joined in 2017. Since then, Boldt has regularly led groups of 15 to 20 upper-level students to the U.K. for this unparalleled experience.
Forming Companies, Building Structures
Preparation for Constructionarium begins long before students board a plane.
"I basically just let them form a construction company," Boldt said. "They create a name, they have a president, a project managing staff, and field staff." This pre-trip organization mirrors real industry structures, preparing them for immediate immersion.
Upon arrival at the Bircham Newton site, located near the North Sea coast, students are given a comprehensive brief. Working directly with a professional U.K. construction manager, they develop essential project documentation: detailed work plans, site logistics, cost estimates, and schedules — often down to five-minute increments.
The projects involve constructing replicas of well-known structures, including a bridge built from concrete and steel with a plywood deck, as well as the Gherkin tower. Students are responsible for every stage, from pouring concrete footings and tying rebar to erecting the entire structure. With construction starting Monday and completion required by Friday at noon, the compressed timeline demands intense focus.
Boldt said he deliberately limits his intervention. "I don't step in unless they're making some gigantic major mistake," he added. "I let them make the little mistakes ... so they get the learning and experience out of what's going on."
Cultivating Leaders on Site
The impact on students is significant. "There is a night and day difference" between those who participate and those who don't, Boldt noted. The program cultivates confidence, trust, and practical abilities unmatched by traditional classroom settings.
Boldt recalled moments when student leaders, overwhelmed by challenges, approached him in tears, fearing they had failed.
His usual response highlights a crucial lesson: "Your acknowledgment of your failure shows me what a great leader you really are." This emphasis on recognizing and overcoming shortcomings is central to developing effective leaders.
Remarkably, one Aggie cohort achieved a program record, completing their bridge in just three and a half days. "When the lady who runs the program goes out and sells the program, Texas A&M gets mentioned every time," Boldt proudly shared.
Construction Science's Strategic Vision
The Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) plays a vital role in supporting student participation, often sponsoring students who might otherwise be unable to afford the experience. This collaborative effort ensures that more Aggies can take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.
Boldt is currently preparing the next cohort of students for their Constructionarium adventure, scheduled for May 8-18. This next group will continue the tradition of Aggie excellence, building not just structures, but also their own futures as confident leaders in the construction industry.