Meccano
|
Meccano is a toy for children of all ages that allows them to construct models and mechanical devices. A Meccano set usually comprises reusable, perforated metal or plastic strips, plates, axles and wheels which can be bolted together in various configurations.
The Meccano system was created in 1898 by Frank Hornby who originally called the toy ‘Mechanics Made Easy’. It is thought the name Meccano derives from ‘make and know’.
Originally manufactured in Liverpool, Hornby later set up manufacturing centres in France, Spain and Argentina. The Meccano brand was acquired in 2013 by Spin Master, a Canadian toy maker.
Despite its age, Meccano is still highly regarded as a toy that can foster creative thinking and manual dexterity, and can be an indicator of a child’s future interest in architecture, construction and engineering. It is believed that Nicholas Grimshaw's early interest in design and construction became apparent, in part, through his love of making models out of Meccano.
In 2009, James May, the then Top Gear presenter, along with student engineers, used Meccano to build a bridge spanning the 40-foot wide canal at the Pier Head in Liverpool. The bridge used 100,000 pieces of Meccano and took more than 1,000 people-hours to build.
In 2015, Engineering students from Queen's University Belfast created a 100-foot footbridge across Belfast's Clarendon Dock made from Meccano. The bridge was part of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Northern Ireland’s “This is Civil Engineering” campaign, which highlighted innovative projects that improve the quality of life in local communities.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.