When the winning design by students Marcia Belle-Barnes, Kerensa Telford-Johns, Ishaan Mohite and Carlotta Taylor-Grecu was selected as the winner, the collaborative effort between several disciplines at the College’s Innovation and Technology Centre (ITC) began to bring the design to life. Staff from Construction, Engineering, Electrical Installations and Administration departments were involved in the construction process.

Ishaan Mohite, one of the students from the winning team, said: “Having been there since the very start, it is wonderful to see this project come to fruition. From the initial sketch combining historical importance with a modern twist, the designing and feasibility process to the final built structure. There were some bumps along the way, but it is great to see our hard work come to life and displayed to inspire people.”

Assembled at the College’s Green Skills Centre at its Chaffron way campus, the installation was built using upcycled and recycled materials where possible.

The sculpture’s design is inspired by the Caduceus, the staff of Hermes, symbolizing communication and healing. Its spiralling form echoes the double helix DNA, representing both scientific progress and our shared humanity. The installation highlights a universal connection – linking patients, doctors and healthcare workers through the common thread of DNA. Illuminated horizontal elements draw from a DNA-inspired colour palette associated with cognitive thought, symbolising the intellectual curiosity and innovation at the core of modern healthcare.

The project was made possible through the generous support of Milton Keynes University Hospital, Block Two Technology, Robus Lighting and staff from the Innovation & Technology Centre at Milton Keynes College.

Simon Amner, Course Team Leader for Construction at Milton Keynes College Group and the coordinator of the DNA installation project, said: “Guided by the wide-ranging experience of staff in our Innovation & Technology Centre, spanning Engineering, Construction and Design, the students were able to stretch their creativity and technical skills and we were pleased to rise to the challenge alongside them.

“It’s a great example of how the College works hand-in-hand with local employers to create opportunities and lasting community impact.”

Anthony Marsh, Facilities Director at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have collaborated with MK College on this inspiring design and build project. The creativity, professionalism, and technical skill demonstrated by the T-Level Construction Skills students has been truly impressive. Their ability to translate ideas into a meaningful piece of artwork for our hospital environment speaks volumes about the quality of education and talent being nurtured locally. We are equally grateful to the dedicated staff who helped bring the design to life and we’re very much looking forward to unveiling the finished piece and celebrating the hard work and imagination that went into it.

“This project marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful relationship with MK College, and we’re excited about the opportunities to work together again in the future, supporting our future engineers.”

Learn more about T Levels in Construction at MK College by reading more here.