MSA Live 25

The two-week program revolves around the complete process of designing the project.

The first week focuses on concept exploration and preliminary preparation, including teamwork, brainstorming, prototype testing, and preliminary modeling to lay the foundation for further design.

In the second week, we enter the phase of scheme optimization and results presentation. Through Client DRP review, model improvement, final drawing and publication arrangement, we ensure the final landing and smooth submission of the design scheme.

Catch up 6 - Final Meeting with Emily

Our final meeting with Emily was all about tying up loose ends. We made sure to have most things in place — from the ethics and action week plan to the budget — so we could get her feedback on nearly finished drafts. It turned into a really useful Q&A session, giving us the chance to ask any remaining questions and show her what we’ve been working on. The process of collaborating with Emily and bouncing ideas off her really highlighted how effective teamwork and planning can drive a project forward.

March 20th – First Site Visit: Canon Burrows Primary School
Meeting our collaborator on-site for the first time and experiencing the space in person was a valuable and engaging experience for all of us. We explored the entire outdoor area of Cannon Burrows School and engaged in constructive discussions with the school’s headteacher, who shared an inspiring vision for the future. The vision essentially involved suggestions for the expansion of the playground for the children, transforming the valley to make it a safe and engaging environment for the children and the wider community, and exploring new potentials for the school's outdoor space. These were suggestions that stirred a lot of ideas within our team, and we eagerly look forward to implementing them.
This meeting was not just about exchanging ideas but building a collaborative partnership with a shared purpose. We look forward to seeing how these ideas develop! ✨

- I'm Luke!
- MArch I
- Continuity

I'm particularly interested in cultural and theoretical narratives and how they can enhance and engage with a place. Studying in Continuity has consolidated my interests in contextual architecture, heritage and history.

For my undergrad, I studied at the University of Nottingham, focusing on crafting stories through architecture and deeply linking the building to its users or communities.

After completing my undergrad, I worked for DLG Architects based in Leeds particpating in a mix of large scale commercial and industrial projects. Following this, I worked at HG2 Architects; a small practice located in Harrogate with an eye for contextual detail with a contemporary approach.

I chose this MSA Live project due to the rich history of Lindow Moss and its expansive ecology at risk due to Peat extraction. The collaborators at Groundworks are enthusiastic and are strongly engaged in the project. I look forward to the two weeks in which we'll venture to the site and have fun creating outputs Groundworks can use to increase exposure of Lindow Moss

Our first Site Visit!

Last month, we travelled as a group to visit the Salthouse Dock in Liverpool, the site for the new floating activity hub. In the morning, we met with the Canal & River Trust team based in Liverpool, who took us on a boat tour around the docks! It was a great opportunity to hear more about all the work they do around the docks; the life underwater that they encourage, and their ambitions for the future. We were also able to see the condition of the existing floating structure which was damaged beyond repair after a storm in early 2024.

In the afternoon, we had the chance to sit down with Donald Insall Associates alongside the Canal & River Trust, who talked us through the work they're currently involved in on the docks, such as the International Slavery Museum and the Canning dock. This was a valuable insight into how the docks are evolving and gave us important context to consider when designing the new floating activity hub.

The site visit was a great team day out, allowing us to get to know the collaborators better and situate the project in its historic surroundings. We look forward to starting design work and, hopefully, another site visit to the Docks in May!

March 13
Site Visit
We met with Caitlin at her new store on this day. She enthusiastically introduced to us the large wall art she had previously made near the store using various discarded plastic bottle and can lids. She also introduced the machines she currently uses to process plastic waste and the success she has achieved with this process. During this visit, we learned more about her space needs (such as the tight storage space she showed us) and the people she contacts and serves on a daily basis. This information will help us better help her plan and design the new space.

Getting Presentation Ready!
Today's team meeting consisted of making a presentation for tomorrow's meeting with the church committee to propose initial ideas for the site and rally some help for building in the intensive week!
We sat down as a team and made a model of the site, added our initial idea for the pagoda and raised planters and created visuals from it.
Let's hope the Monton Community are excited by the project and want to get stuck in!

Meet Our Collaborator!

Hi everyone, please meet our lovely MSA collaborator for this project, Jade!

"Hi, I’m Jade Ibegbuna, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Bradford Council. I have the pleasure of working with so many incredible cultural and community groups across the district whilst enabling projects (such as this one) to innovatively amplify our Bradford story. I am a proud Bradfordian, passionate about changemaking and I’m also a Clore Fellow 2025: https://bit.ly/43M3vBC

Working as a collaborator on MSA Live is an absolute joy as I get to work with amazingly talented minds and creative energy – the passion, care and imagination that the students show for Bradford shines through and is reflected throughout their designs. Bradford 2025 is the UK ‘City of Culture’ so this year’s MSA Live designs are being created at a pivotal moment in Bradford’s history.

MSA Live is a fantastic programme, fantastic students and a fantastic team – I am very much looking forward to what this year brings."

The Site Visit
On 5th February, we went to explore our site, which was a garden recently cleared of brambles and overgrowth. Next to the built playground, fenced off around the edges, we could see some possibilities for the site. Tree stumps and brick edging, could this be used in the designs? And of course we have to note the little toys found throughout the land, a little unicorn duck being my personal favourite! The space has so much potential, we're excited to see where this goes.

What’s Next for Street and a Half:

After a great discussion with Claire and Christine, we’re excited about the next steps for the project!

We’re now shaping up the schedule for our upcoming action weeks, planning activities that will help us explore, create, and collaborate in meaningful ways. From workshops to hands-on experiments, we’re eager to dive into the creative process and bring our ideas to life.

Most of all, we can’t wait to meet and work together with you - sharing ideas, sparking conversations, and making the most of this incredible opportunity!

Stay tuned for more updates as things take shape.

10/02/25 | Workshop 01

Our first team workshop gave us the opportunity to discuss project roles, explore initial concept designs and start planning out the action weeks.

We agreed that the craft station will be our primary focus and the wayfinding tool will be explored further during the action weeks, if time allows.

We started researching precedents of children’s furniture, creative play spaces, and practical storage solutions. A core concept started to take shape: a tree-like structure where children can hang their creations from its branches.

First Site Visit

We visited the venue for the first time and kate harrison, service manager at Healthy Me Healthy Communities CIC, joined us for a tour of the current state of the garden. As well as the vegetables planted on the site, and some dilapidated pergola. and learnt in conversation how the previous gardens came to be. What their needs are today. What they most desire the garden to look like and what kind of space they envision that would help them work and be more beneficial to the community. And it gave us some ideas to think about.

Fancy joining us?

During our 2 action weeks, we will be producing design responses to our collaborator's vision, but we would also like to use this time to help you develop skills you wish to learn. We plan to help you explore skillsets such as producing architecture drawings, visualizations and model-making.

We will use our individual strengths to help you develop your skills, and hopefully in group working, we will learn some skills from you as well!

If anything here sparks your interest, or you have any questions, please do get in touch!

Hi, I'm Ke Han.
I am from Malaysia.
I completed my undergraduate degree at the Manchester School of Architecture and am currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at CPU Atelier.

I am confident in using Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, InDesign, and physical modeling.

My interests include designing with a clear narrative, ensuring that every thought process behind it has a strong justification. Besides that, I enjoy working with both digital and physical mediums, allowing me to experiment with both the real and virtual worlds. Outside of architecture, I also enjoy writing short stories, watching K-dramas, playing badminton and chess, and traveling.

I am excited to work with Brick by Brick and Oswald Road Primary School to see how the younger generation thinks outside the box and expresses their creativity. This opportunity inspires me to share knowledge that might encourage them to explore architecture in the future.

Course:MArch 1
Atelier:Non standard habitats

Hello everyone,

My name is Xinhai Lyu, and I come from Liaoning Province, located in the northeastern part of China. I hold a Master of Architecture degree. During my undergraduate studies, I spent five years learning architectural design. After graduation, I worked as an architect in Shenyang for a year.

I have participated in projects such as the design of a Michelin factory building and the renovation of Shenyang Gongren Village. I have a strong interest in sustainable architecture.

Besides architectural design, I am also passionate about music. I look forward to engaging with everyone and exchanging ideas during MSA Live.

Hello reader.
Welcome to the Half-Time Hub, our MSA Live Project! With our amazing collaborators at the Gorgeous Gorse Hill, we aim to give a refreshing transformation to an unused site in old Trafford. The site in focus is a former toilet block, currently sitting idle, with an incredible potential to be transformed into a thriving ‘hub’, which gives the centre stage to the local community.
We want to re-imagine this forgotten space by exploring design strategies through creative placemaking, that prioritize sustainability, social engagement, accessibility and urban renewal. The projects would bring together students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, making it a wholesome process to develop empathic and effective solutions.
Follow our journey as we work closely with our collaborators at the Gorgeous Gorse Hill and develop a vision for an amazing and vibrant neighbourhood.
Stay tunes for updates!

First site visit...

We met on-site with the collaborator to discuss the project, and conduct a LIDAR survey of the existing building.

Although showing signs of being unoccupied for 15 years, the building is in much better condition than we had initially thought, and the client talked us through their requirements for the renovation. We were also able meet the prospective tenant that will occupy the retail unit upon completion, so there are multiple layers to consider when designing the adaptive reuse scheme.

To the rear of the building is a courtyard and former stable building which are accessible from the street. It is clear that these have lots of potential, and as the collaborator is keen to see ideas for how this space could be converted into an exciting, community-based initiative.

This is the room!
Introduction to our project:

Name: Nikhil Nagar
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Non-Standard Habitats (NSH)
Introduction: Hi, I’m Nikhil from India. After completing my bachelor's degree in architecture from Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), I worked as an architectural assistant in Delhi, India. They helped me gain experience in high-rise developments and on-site executions of the work. Personally, I have worked on two or three more projects, which required refurbishment. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in architecture to develop a more profound understanding of design ethics and implications.

I’m overwhelmed to collaborate with Tameside Council in Droylsden and looking forward to working with MSA colleagues to design a better and healthier community with an optimistic future.

My name is Kiruthyik Karan. I am a 24-year-old student from Chennai, India. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Architecture and am part of the SKN Atelier. My hobbies include watching movies, playing football, and working out, with my favorite vegetable being the mushroom. A quote that is close to my heart is “Architecture is frozen music.”

@TheGrange in Blackpool is a large community hub on the Grange Park estate. It has been highlighted as a centre of best practice for engaging local residents in wellbeing activity through the support provided by
the team at Groundwork.
The site includes a library, café, theatre, community farm, free to use laundrette and various meeting rooms.
Space is now at capacity and in order to deliver more activities for community benefit we want to look at reimaging underused spaces. This would include:

1) Redesigning the complex toilets and storage spaces to improve the quality of toilet facilities and create more functional community space.

2)Redesigning the open public spaces within the building providing a better flow and bringing the outdoors in. This would include design options to create a mixed library and café space and reimaging the outdoor patio space.

Our plan for the two weeks working with us includes a variety of exciting activities! We’ll start by welcoming you to the team and providing all the information you’ll need to get started. You'll meet our collaborator, and if all goes well, we may even arrange a site visit. Along the way, we’ll have group tutorials and creative sessions designed to foster collaboration and skill-building. Our goal is to create an engaging and informative environment that closely mirrors a real-world working experience.

In week one, we’ll focus on laying a solid foundation, setting us up to hit the ground running in week two. During this time, we’ll pay special attention to placemaking within a heritage setting and other key aspects of the project. In week two, we’ll dive into refining the final designs, visuals, and presentations to share with our collaborator. To wrap up, we’ll have a presentation and handover to potential collaborating architects, followed by a celebration to mark the success of our time together!

TIA TIAN

I’m a practical architect based in Beijing and a dedicated researcher on smart architecture at MSA.
With an innovative and passionate approach to design, I explore multiple narratives within projects of varying scales, attributes, and contexts.
Beyond architecture, I find inspiration in the untamed beauty of the mountains, where I love to hike and travel—seeking new perspectives, fresh air, and the quiet wisdom of nature.

Hi, I’m Yiyu Luo!

Course: MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

I'm from Zhejiang, and I studied product design in the International Department of Wenzhou Business School, which seems to be completely different from my current major.

In my free time, I enjoy cycling and swimming, and occasionally go to some extreme sports as a challenge.

The reason I joined the Manchester Climate Coalition group was because I felt that climate conditions were essential for survival. What we're doing may not be big, but we're trying to improve the climate, and that's why I'm very interested in this group, doing my part.

Name: Yukun Tang

Hometown: Changsha, China

Atelier: &

Skills: Autocad, Sketchup, Enscape

Undergraduate Education: Wuhan Institute of Technology

Architectural interest: Minimalism

Hobbies: Durm

Favourite music genre: Digital Music, Punk Rock

Hey, I'm Yukun from China and after graduating from Wuhan Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's Degree, I've worked in Shenzhen as an Interior Designer specialising in Real Estate. Currently, I am studying for a Master's degree in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at Manchester School of Architecture to prepare myself for the future trend of urban regeneration. Also, characteristically, I always tend to understand things in a simplistic way.
I believe that radio diamond is a very special project that provides us with a unique perspective on how things should be done. I look forward to welcoming new members!

In the heart of Stockport, What If is a hidden space with the potential to become a resilient and thriving community hub. Tucked away behind a busy main road, it’s time to bring it back onto the map!

Hi, I’m Nathan, an MArch 1 student at Manchester Metropolitan University. I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the MSA Live project, contributing to the restoration of the community allotment. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact, fostering sustainability and community spirit. I’m eager to collaborate, learn, and bring fresh ideas to this meaningful project. Looking forward to an inspiring journey ahead!

Name: Minrui Chen

Country: China

Course & Atelier: MA Adaptive Reuse

Current Project in MSA:
I am currently involved in a historic building transformation project in Stockport, which aims to bring a derelict monolithic office building back to life. My design philosophy is to transform the local culture and urban memory into the architectural language by digging deeply into it and subtly integrate it into the old building in a micro-interventional way. On the basis of protecting the original building structure, I hope to preserve the historical memory of the building through careful design, but also inject new vitality into it, making it a link between the past and the future. This process is not only the transformation of the building itself, but also the continuation and innovation of the urban context.

Software + Other Skills:
Sketchup, Rhino, photoshop, AutoCAD, Enscape, Lumion.

Short Introduction:
I am an architectural practitioner with nearly one year's work experience, and I have accumulated some project experience in practice. I have a special interest in small buildings, especially those that reflect humanistic care and respond to social issues.
In my spare time, I love sports and often play basketball to keep my vitality. I also like to experience different life stories through movies. In my spare time, I often travel with friends to explore different urban landscapes, while also delving into cooking in the kitchen and enjoying the fun of creating delicious food. These diverse interests and hobbies enable me to maintain keen observation and creativity in my work.

Hey! I'm Matt. I'm a student here at MSA studying for a master's in architecture. I am currently in the FLUX atelier, which focuses on ‘play’ in architecture and other unorthodox approaches to civic design and community engagement. I studied my undergrad at the Canterbury School of Architecture, and after that, I worked in practice in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands for 2 years. My favourite architecture includes brutalist, classical and anything a bit different. I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other students and with Life Leisure to re-imagine some outdoor spaces, which frankly need some re-imagining.

Hello,

I’m Ella an Interior Architecture graduate from Liverpool John Moores University and a current student of Architecture and Adaptive Reuse.

My main interest within architectural design is the reuse of existing buildings, allowing them to have a new lease of life but also celebrating the historical footprint of what is already built. I love buildings which are full of character and hope that I will be able to work with listed buildings such as churches, industrial structures and many more in my proffesional practice.

Having the opportunity to work on Waterbarn Baptist Church is very exciting and relevant to my interests. I’m looking forward to proposing a plan to restore and repurpose the church with my MSA
Live group and hope we give the Valley Heritage team lots of positive ideas.

Hi, I’m Ellie I am currently doing my MA in Architecture and Adaptive reuse.
My bachelors is in Interior Design which I finished in 2023, after finishing I worked as an Interior Designer where I developed a strong foundation in spatial planning, materials and user-centred design.
With a keen interest in designing interiors in keeping with their history I felt that the two went hand in hand.
I am excited to be working on the Agecroft Cemetery project as we will have the challenge of protecting the history of the building but making it useable and accessible for the community, while remaining mindful of the importance of the building.
I am looking forward to the action weeks where we can work together, brain storm ideas and come up with a proposal that is mindful, inclusive and timeless.

On 25/02/25, we took an exciting first trip to Nelson and the 3B Systems space with our collaborator Michael. With our notebooks, cameras, and plenty of ideas, we explored the town, toured the site, and got a strong sense of its potentials and limitations.

A big focus was on designing engaging spaces for the local youth group while respecting the existing church building. We sketched, took photos, and recorded our thoughts, bouncing around ideas on how to make the space more dynamic, welcoming, and flexible.

By the end of the visit, we left with tons of inspiration, a clearer vision, and plenty of excitement! We can’t wait to bring it to life!

Fancy joining us?

During our two action weeks, we will produce a design response to the site and brief, but we would also like to use this time to help you develop the skills you wish to learn. We specifically focus on visuals regarding 2D and 3D renders, digital or physical modeling, sketching, collaging, rendering, or preparing presentations. We will use our individual strengths to help you develop your skills. According to the action plan, we will be split into two groups, and the winning group will get a Prize!!

If anything here sparks your interest, or you have any questions, please get in touch! We also love food, especially Pizza, and kindred people!! See you soon:)

Action Plan: Overview

Presented here is our plan for the two action weeks. Within the first week we've planned for introductions, both to each other, and to the project and collabroator; following this we'll engage through workshops and tutorials to develop and practice skills, such as modelling, visualisation, and presentation.

It is our intention that the first week will provide a solid basis to work on into the second week, developing the final designs visuals and presentations to show to the collaborator.

Following this, we'll celebrate with pizzas and drinks, and present our work to each other - Pizza Presentation!

SITE
On February 17th, we made a general plan and elevation survey of the church.

Location and Surroundings:
The church is situated in a residential area, surrounded by houses with gardens. It has a spacious outdoor area, including a parking lot and green spaces. The church is accessible from nearby streets.

Building Structure:
The main hall is the largest space. Other rooms include kitchen, office, storage, and multiple smaller rooms.

Aim:
The project aims to inspire real-world change by activating and rejuvenating the underused public space at the Milton Park skate park through a bespoke physical intervention or series of interventions. Positioned within the “alternative” cultural sphere, the project will engage with local people, particularly young residents, to highlight new possibilities for the space, foster social connections, and promote Alsager as a destination. It will coincide with the “Alternate Alsager” event, combining music, food, and street art to create a fun, engaging, and safe environment for self-expression.

Output:
A site-specific installation that interacts with the place and its surroundings, designed and prototyped based on insights from community engagement. The process will include speaking with local people, particularly young residents, with discussions and sketches recorded and presented using other potential deliverables.

Hi,

I am Ahmed Darouache and I studied my Bachelors at Liverpool John Moores University. I am in the Non-Standard Habitats Atelier.

Modelling and 3D visuals are my passion and I want to make more out of it after my master degree.

As I am originally from Morocco, I have a strong interest in Islamic Architecture and how patterns works. I know that materials used in hot climate aren’t the same in the cold climate and I am interested in how these functions.

With these skills and passion, I like to vision how the architecture works in today’s modern world.

Hi, Im Will

Atelier: & Architecture

I studied architecture at Liverpool John Moores University before moving to Manchester to begin working as a Part 1 at AEW Architects, where I am currently employed while also studying at MSA.

I love being outdoors and am passionate about sustainable design, so I’m really excited to be working on a community project like this. I’m eager to collaborate closely with Growing Togetherness CIC and help bring their vision to life. I’m also looking forward to learning from both my group and the Growing Togetherness CIC team, as their knowledge will offer valuable insights and inspire new ideas that I can apply to any future sustainable projects I work on.

Hi, I'm Yuqi Xiang!
I’m currently pursuing an MA in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. Originally from China, I have a background in Environmental Design.
Through my studies and internships, I’ve gained experience with various architectural software, including Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Grasshopper, and Lumion.
I have a strong interest in smart home technologies, particularly their role in energy efficiency and sustainability. I’m eager to explore this field further and exchange ideas with others.
I’m excited to be part of the ECO Hub project and look forward to expanding my knowledge of smart home innovations!

Anisha Mariam Abraham
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: CPU[Ai]

I am an architecture graduate from Anna University, India, with three years of professional experience at Cartwheel Design Studio, followed by a year of freelancing in India, focusing on small-scale residential and commercial architectural projects. My Martian Arborium project was recognized globally, ranking in the top 20 worldwide in Marsception 2024. My undergraduate thesis focused on LGBT community spaces, which shaped my passion for creating inclusive and socially responsive architecture.

I am excited about the MSA Live Project with Tameside Council, as it provides the opportunity to engage in a real-world project that directly impacts the local community. The chance to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team is invaluable.

My future goals include deepening my expertise in parametric and computational design, exploring innovative materials, and working on projects that integrate sustainability and inclusivity to create socially impactful architectural solutions.