Meet the Team
Abdullah Jawdatt
Atelier: CPU[Ai]
BArch: Manchester School of Architecture
Skill: Sketchup, Photoshop, InDesign, Lumion for visualisation
Hobbies: Digital Art, Website designing, gamer
One of my major interests in architecture is the endless variation of possibilities that it presents. When I first entered the course, I had linear thoughts about it; Designing houses and including the process here and there and that is it! However, as the years gone by, I only came to believe that I couldn’t be further from the truth. There is so much that architecture presents to us and even more so that it teaches. Currently I do CPU[Ai], however, in my third year I did PRAXXIS. Having been in both ateliers, I came to realise how wide of a spectrum both ateliers reside in as both are so different in process but so similar in fundamentals and that I found to be one of the most interesting things that architecture can present to us.
Meet the Team
Daniel Jarvis
Atelier: Infra-Space
BArch: University of Liverpool
Worked at: Mark Reeves Architects
Skill: Photoshop painting, Illustrator iconography
Hobbies: Videogames and wishing I had a cat
I'm particularly interested in the stories architecture tell us, how our understanding of the world is informed by sub-conscious interactions between form and social mythology. How we can say more with the materials we have. I'm a big fan of architects like David Adjaye and love Rossi's theory of buildings of memory making up our perception of the city. Besides architecture I occasionally pretend to read Russian literature
Project Partner Biography:
Lifeshare is one of the oldest homeless charities in Manchester, they not only seek to home the homeless but also to help people in their care adjust to new skills needed in everyday life. They list their primary objectives as
- ‘To identify street homelessness and offer assistance in obtaining emergency accommodation, signposting other relevant agencies and information for support’
- ‘To alleviate aspects of poverty and hardship through redistribution of resources’
- ‘To assist people to access Primary Health Care and to promote health and harm reduction’
Through their child organisation, the Manchester Digital Collective, they collaborate with a number of other charitable organisations to help teach digital skills for the 21st Century. We in particular will be working with them on their goal of redistributing resources both literal and educational in the digital sphere.
Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is an innovative collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester, that is uniting the universities’ resources and expertise to provide a comprehensive academic experience for its students. MSA gained a reputation for variety, vitality and quality of work, reflected in appraisals by professional bodies like the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and The Landscape Institute, alongside the number and variety of external prizes. MSA ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2018) and recognised as one of the best architecture schools in the UK. We are delighted to work alongside the MSA team represented by Professor Kevin Singh, head of Manchester School of Architecture, Dr Victoria Jolley, Year 6 Lead and Employability Lead at the school and Robert Hyde, Senior Lecturer.
For more information about MSA and their team please access their website: https://www.msa.ac.uk/ .
Hi, we are a team of six 5th students at the Manchester School of Architecture. We are working in collaboration with Without a Home (WOAH) and the Greater Manchester Homeless Action Network (GMHAN) to bring you this years MSA Live project 16!
Chen Qi
Atelier : &rchitecture
BArch : University of the West of England
Worked at : BUJU Architects
Skill : Graphics design, Web Design
Interested in : Having worked in the past as a web design and graphics design, I am passionate in exploring differnt ways to communicate and present architectural and social issues / solutions.
Daniel Ford
Atelier: PRAXXIS
BArch: Univeristy for the Creative Arts
Worked at: YN Studio, Spencer Fung Architects, MichaelisBoyd
Skills: Graphic design, architectural representation
Interested in: Having worked in a variety of practices during my time out, I have developed an interest in the social impact of architecture and inclusive approaches to design.
Helena Krekel
Atelier: Infra.Space
BArch: TUM Technical University of Munich, Germany
Worked at: Vogel + Partner Architects
Skills: Communication, Organisation
Interested in: architecture and art history, sustainable design and especially timber construction
Irina Zahidi
Atelier : CiA
BArch : Manchester School of Architecture
Worked at : Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad
Skill : Revit, Sketchup, Vray, Photoshop, Illustrator
Interested in : I am interested in how Architecture impacts communities and drive social changes. I am also keen on learning how to best represent architectural ideas in clear, concise graphics.
Jianyu Wang
Atelier : &rchitecture
BArch : School of Design ,Jiangnan University
Worked at : Syncform Architects, Huashi Co.,Ltd
Skill : Graphics design, Strategy Design
Interested in : I like design driven as the starting point of design. I am very interested in the relationship between vision and architecture, and the relationship between architecture and new technology
Shrida Venkatesh
Atelier: CPU
BArch: SAP, Anna University
Experience: Architecture and Interior design internships at Indian firms.
Skill: AutoCAD, SketchUp and Illustrator
Interested in: I am interested in creating collage renders and making artistic presentations using a combination of digital modelling softwares.
Dr Luca Csepely-Knorr is a chartered landscape architect, art historian and Reader at the Manchester School of Architecture. Her research and writing centre on the histories of landscape architecture, architecture and urban design from the late 19th century to the 1970s, with a particular emphasis on the development of design theories of public spaces and international knowledge transfer. She has led design studios for both under- and postgraduate architecture and landscape architecture students, lectured in various history and theory units, and guided postgraduate research projects. Luca has experience in running international multi-disciplinary workshops, and acted as Humanities coordinator for the undergraduate architecture course at MSA between 2015 and 2020. Luca co-directs the Architecture Research Hub at MSA (with Richard Brook), and is Joint Programme Leader of the Master of Landscape Architecture course (with Becky Sobell).
Hi there, this is Lingxi from Atelier USE. In 2020, I completed my bachelor's degree in architecture degree and law at Dalian University. I like movies and photography. Looking forward to finishing this interesting project with you.
Helen Aston is a Senior Lecturer at the Manchester School of Architecture and has been teaching in architecture schools for over 24 years, always focused and passionate about the spatial implications of feminist theory into practice she has been teaching and practicing in a feminist and inclusive way since 1996. She is currently the MSA Education Lead and leads the feminist design atelier Praxxis. In 2018 she was nominated for the first Ethel Day Awards for her contribution to architectural education and will soon be included in the new Bloomsbury Global Encyclopaedia on Women in Architecture. Helen absolutely loves creating and interpreting diagrams, hates symmetry but passionately loves building things with people who do not normally build. She teaches, she collaborates, she participates, she designs, she builds, she talks (a lot), and she propose things… Helen is a mum to her gorgeous son Harry and has proactively brought him up as a feminist.
April graduated from the MSA undergraduate course in 2018 and stayed in Manchester working in practice for 2 years as a Project Manager. April is passionate about inclusive, practical design that is community driven, and also has a keen interest in heritage and conservation.
Tala previously studied at the University of Reading, upon completing her bachelors, she has worked in practice in Amman, Jordan. She has joined the Manchester School of Architecture and is in the &rchitecture atelier. Tala’s interest in feminism and equality stems from the scarceness of female architects at senior levels in comparison to males, particularly in the Middle East.
The project will aim to focus on spatial design of circus workshops. We aim to get involved with a variety of skills and activities to allow students the choice to pursue their interests. All abilities are welcome and we hope to collaborate together and learn new things!
All aspects such as modelling, sketching and collaging can be done either digitally or physically depending on your preference and access to software/equipment.
Spatial Design: A key output of the project is to design a series of covid safe workshops across three sites in Manchester.
Illustrations : Graphics and collages will be used to present and discuss ideas. We will look to explore and develop a variety of design skills during this process.
Physical Model making: Model boxes will form the basis to finalise our designs for the client. Each group will have the freedom to use whatever materials they have at hand or any that they would like to practice.
CAD Modelling : As well as physical modelling, CAD modelling will be used to develop model boxes. Through this we will look to develop software skills for students through a variety of software.
Circus Workshops : We will be working closely with The Circus House in Manchester who are giving us the opportunity to get involved with their circus workshops inc. juggling, trapeze, unicycle etc.
Rianna previously studied at the University of Sheffield and after two years working in practice in London, she has joined the Manchester School of Architecture in the atelier PRAXXIS. Rianna is passionate about creating inclusivity in architecture, designing for real people’s needs and exploring how architecture can promote health and wellbeing.
Aleksandra is a BA (Hons) graduate from Liverpool University with experience in small scale residential projects as well as masterplanning. She is interested in making women role in architecture recognised, appreciated and valued across the building industry.
Joe previously studied at the Manchester School of Architecture and has continued to work within the feminist atelier, PRAXXIS. Joe’s research interest is primarily on the missing bodies within architecture and the built environment. He has worked on a variety of projects, from concept to construction.
Ebun previously studied at the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. She has worked as a photographer for 5 years. She has joined the Manchester School of Architecture and is in the PRAXXIS. Ebun is very passionate about working and connecting black female architects and creatives. Ebun is also a member of the Black Female Architects (BFA)
Hi there, this is Lian from Atelier USE. In terms of architecture, I'm good at Hand-drawing, PS and Sketch Up. I worked in China for 3 years in China Coal Technology Engineering Group Chongqing Design Institute.
The Architecture School for Children
Over the past 18 years, it has worked with children and communities with the aim of engaging them effectively in their built environments.
Aims:
-create healthy and happy communities
-develop the children’s inner creative abilities
-aid the children they work with to understand the world we live in through various ecologies
-explore everyday spaces of the city
-raise aspirations of young people
Hi there, this is Zhengyang from Atelier &rchitecture. I have several years of working experience in China and have been involved in many projects, including educational, commercial, large comprehensive laboratories, etc. My interests are hiking and photography. I am very happy to communicate with you!
Hi guys! My name is Jordon, I’m 22. I grew up in York and graduated from Sheffield Hallam University. I am in praxxis atelier as I have a passion for inclusive design for everyone.
If I wasn’t studying architecture, I would have either have been a teacher or a pilot.
Hi there, this is Yuxin from Atelier CiA. About architecture, I'm good at Sketch up, PS and making models. Although eating and sleeping are my favorite choices, I like travelling and taking photos in my free time.
Hi everyone! My name is Wendell, I'm 25. I am from the Borneo island of Malaysia and studied my undergrad in MSA.
Being part of the CPU:Ai Atelier, I am interested in developing solutions for resilient urban futures.
If I wasn't studying architecture, I would be managing an airline because I love planes but not flying.
Hello guys! My name is Hsuan-Fang. I’m from Taiwan where Bubble tea originated and became popular but I’m a big fan of lattes. I graduated from the Tamkang University where I was inspired to research the details and construction of architecture.
Fun fact: My parents let me watch “Bob the Builder” everyday when I was a kid. Is this related to my decision to study in Architecture, no one knows.
Hi, my name is Zhuo Ping from China, graduated from University of Liverpool. During my undergraduate study, I realized that I was obsessed with model making and laser cutting. My internship participated in the design and construction of the kindergarten, what interests me more is to design playground for children rather than classroom.
Fun Fact: I was trying to climb the tower cranes with my bare hands when I was a child, I was about to reach the top, a worker called the police.
Hey guys! My name is Athena, I’m 23 years old.
I’m from Cyprus but I grew up in both London and Cyprus. I studied for my undergraduate degree at the University Of Nottingham . I am now part of the &rchitecture atelier and I have a passion for designing for the needs of the people.
If I wasn’t studying architecture, I would have studied Sports Science.
Hi there, this is Siqi from Atelier USE. After graduated from the University of Liverpool I spent a year in Sheppard Robson LLP doing plenty of Commercial projects. Now I am just fond of everything that's not Architecture. Looking forward to working with passionate and energetic partners.
Heyyy! My name is Wiktoria (but everyone calls me wiki), I'm 23 years old.
I am from London and graduated from Oxford Brookes University. I am in the Praxxis Atelier. I love life drawing and in my spare time I make prints.
If I wasn't studying Architecture I would love to be an art teacher!
In our MSA LIVE group, we provide practical architectural software technology. At the same time, we can give full play to our imagination and creativity, and actively express ideas. In addition, we encourage teamwork and enrich our own skills in the process of cooperating with others. Regular presentations are also a great opportunity to present your ideas and results to others.
This project provides an exciting opportunity to revitalise the historic community of Marple. The wider social implications of this mixed-use project are fundamental to its success. What will start off as an isolated project in the park could become the centre point of an urban design scheme. The community hub which we will be designing together has the potential to create a ‘ripple’ effect in the surrounding area, encouraging economic and social prosperity, without losing the 'sense of place' that the residents love.
Hey! My name is Bethany. I am 22 years old.
I grew up in Nottingham, but I am of Jamaican descent. I studied for my undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University and now I am part of the CPU_ai atelier.
If I wasn’t studying architecture, I would probably be studying chemistry or maybe even maths, but I’d still do something creative on the side!
Hey everyone! My name is Millie, I'm 23 years old.
I'm from Northampton and studied my undergraduate in Architecture at Nottingham Trent University. I'm now living in Manchester and this year I am in the PRAXXIS atelier!
If I wasn't studying architecture I would love to have a full time job in illustration!
Judith Atkinson is our collaborator from GT3 Architects. She joined GT3 in 2015, gaining valuable experience in a range of sectors, including master planning, commercial, leisure and private residential schemes. GT3 specialise in sport and leisure, among other fields, so were key candidates for this project. They were hired by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council to organise feasibility work and create the initial brief for this mixed-use project in Marple’s Memorial Park which we as a team will be using as the basis of our project!
Joe Jessop is the main collaborator for this project. He has been involved in the consultation process for the community hub with GT3 and other members of the Marple Community and Marple Civic Society, of which he is an active member. Joe was previously the Head of School at Manchester School of Architecture and so he is really keen to get involved!
Hi Everyone, I'm Jack! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: University of Nottingham
Atelier: Infrastructure Space
Architectural Interests: Buildings that benefit society and the environment. Projects which revolve around the people they’re designed for.
Why I chose this group: Exciting live project which will hugely benefit the local community once completed and the client seems like a real character we could work well with.
Hi Everyone, I'm Kefei! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: XianJiaotong-liverpool University
Atelier: CPU
Architectural Interests: Cultural architecture, atmosphere and experience in architecture.
Why I chose this group: This is a real project with social value and combination with human life. Personally, I would like to explore how to interpret the impact of architecture in urban environment.
Hobbies: Painting, Modelling, Video-making, Traveling
Hi Everyone, I'm Xiaoxuan! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University
Atelier: CPU
Architectural Interests: Public Buildings
Why I chose this group: interesting project for creating community in small scale urban design, thinking about the relations between locals, buildings and environment.
Hobbies: Sketching, Watching movies
Hi Everyone, I'm Keyan! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: graduated from XJTLU in China
Atelier: USE
Architectural Interests: I'm really into Luis Barragan's design, also some projects reflecting culture and social conditions.
Why I chose this group: This group refers to a real project, which will give me more practical experience in the future career. And there is a valuable chance for me to communicate with GT3 architects.
Our MSA LIVE group is working in collaboration with The Tetley. The Tetley is a pioneering centre for contemporary art located in the stunning art deco headquarters of the former Tetley Brewery. From the heart of Leeds' South Bank, they create a platform for amazing emerging artists, present breathtaking free exhibitions and help communities and young people in Leeds find their creative voice.
Their 1930s building was transformed in 2013 to house unique gallery spaces, a learning studio for our award-winning participation programme, an artist residency studio, offices for creative businesses, a busy Bar & Kitchen and welcoming spaces for meetings and events, from performances and parties, to conferences and meetings. For artists, they are mentors and champions, providing support, investment and development time and space. To the public and our communities, they are a destination to explore new and exciting works, enjoy great food and take part in workshops, talks and events. Over 120,000 people each year visit the Tetley to discover, create, relax and learn. The Tetley is supported by Arts Council England, Carlsberg UK, Leeds City Council, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.
Contact:
Samantha Fish
Head of Commercial & Visitor Experience
Hi Everyone, I'm Juliet! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: Manchester School of Architecture
Atelier: CiA
Architectural Interests: Socially driven projects with a focus on place-making, heritage design.
Why I chose this group: Opportunity to explore a community-based project with a strong social impact through the exploration of wider urban planning and community engagement.
Hobbies: Baking, Model-making, Sketching, Hiking
Hi Everyone, I'm Dilan! Here's some information about me:
BA Studies: Manchester School of Architecture
Atelier: Infrastructure Space
Architectural Interests: Community Architecture, Public Buildings
Why I chose this group: Live project and a chance to have some real input. Touching upon all bases from building design to urban design
Hobbies: Football, Cricket, Golf
We are excited to be working with the Workhouse project, founded by Eva Schlunke, Dominic Sagar and John Large. The core aim of this project is to establish a social media presence which serves as a community forum for exploring and understanding issues around housing and building community resilience.This should include looking at different types of need, aspirations, barriers, mistakes, agendas etc while keeping the focus on finding out what works (locally, nationally and internationally), and how successes can be replicated and implemented in Hulme and Moss Side.
Jemima Eyre
Atelier: PraXxis
BArch: University of Bath
Worked at: Sheppard Robson, London
Skill: Hand drawing, Photoshop & InDesign
Interested in: Adaptive historic reuse of heritage buildings
Pardis Naji
Atelier: PraXxis
BArch: University of Central Lancashire
Worked at: Briefly at a firm in the Netherlands & RIBA Mentoring scheme with Bennetts Associates
Skill: Revit, Visualisations & InDesign
Interested in: Community/social architecture & urbanisation
Soniamaria Losapio
Atelier: PraXxis
BArch: University of Liverpool
Worked at: Pitman Tozer Architects
Skill: Graphical - Photoshop, InDesign
Interested in: Sustainable and inclusive architecture
Joseph Twitchen
Atelier: PraXxis
BArch: Manchester School of Architecture
Skill: Sketchup, Illustrator, Diagramming
Interested in: Architecture and community and architecture and wellbeing
Jian,"Eric",Gao
Atelier: USE
BArch: University of Liverpool
Worked at: Three sections of internship in China (short time), one in Egypt
Skill: Sketching, Photoshop, Rhino&Grasshopper
Interested in: Conceptual approach, operation (function) check.
Introducing the LiveWires team. Currently we are a team of six MArch.1 students at the Manchester School of Architecture
Rayyan Amjad
Atelier: Advanced Practice
BArch: University of Liverpool
Worked at: Aeys Associates
Skill: Autocad, Photoshop, InDesign
Interested in: Minimalist architecture
Hi guys! My name is Premdyl. I grew up on the sunny island of Penang, Malaysia and graduated from the Taylor’s University. During my time in Penang, I found a strong passion for conservation and adaptive reuse due to the city’s influence after being awarded as an UNESCO Heritage Site.
Fun fact: My favourite show to watch is Avatar: The Last Airbender. Wtihout a doubt, if I had a choice I would want to be a waterbender.
Hello everyone, my name is Yanran, I’m from China and graduated from an unknown university. When I was a kid, I used to play a game called "Roller Coaster Tycoon" day and night, so I developed a love for architecture. Besides, I like drawing since I was young.
Fun fact: I also like to play childish games and even enjoy watching cartoons. I'm recently addicted to "My Little Pony" and I love Pinkie Pie!
Hi everyone, I'm Sookie. I am from Singapore but I did my undergrad in the Welsh School of Architecture where I developed an appreciation and curiousity for smaller scaled architectural projects, which is ironic since I come from a country that is basically a city-state with no space for small scaled projects.
Fun fact: My family lost me at when I was 4-5 years old because I was too busy staring at concrete drying.
Hi there! My name is Danial. I grew up in Brunei and Singapore and graduated from the University of Nottingham where I found a guilty love for concrete, I love the look but we can’t have a future together.
Fun fact: When I pass by a park, I secretly want to play on the swing but I scared of being judged.
Our MSA Live event offers the opportunity for children to learn about post-war infrastructure through a fun and engaging virtual school trip. A normal school trip is an opportunity to break with routine and learn about somewhere new. Admittedly, we can’t recreate the atmosphere of excitement as you wait for the bus, but we can give the children a chance to work with their friends to discover interesting stories through interacting with a new space. BArch & MLA students will design this new virtual space and create online games for the children to play on their “day out”. It will also give an opportunity to get architecture into the curriculum and show the positive affect architecture can have. Architects were not commonly involved in the design of industrial buildings but you can see the aesthetic and social improvements they made when the National Coal Board started using them. The huge, potentially overbearing forms were made monumental and iconic while hiding the messiness of the industrial day-to-day work. Amenities also played a large role, and the public was receptive to these industrial monoliths in their area because of these benefits to the community, despite the pollution. These structures are steadily disappearing as we gradually switch to a fossil-fuel free energy system but their historical importance should not be understated. By educating children we are ensuring that these iconic buildings live on through in the next generation, even if their physical presence has faded.
The Circus House are an inspiring organisation dedicated to bringing smiles to the communities of Manchester. The organisation is made up of 15 different teachers and technical staff members each with their own amazing talents and skills.
The Circus House host classes and workshops for all ages and skill sets, making for an inclusive and fun environment. Workshops include aerial silks, juggling, unicycling, acrobatics and much more!
We are working with one of the directors of the company, Sian. She deals with the performance bookings and the aerial programme for the organisation. Sian is a great character to be working with.
Throughout the 2 weeks of MSA Live, we are looking to introduce some new skills to our students as well as improving on existing ones. Technical knowledge such as software skills will be one of our focus, but we believe there is also a huge advantage in improving soft skills such as group collaboration as well as presentation skills that can often be overlooked.
As such, we will create a safe and conducive environment for students to feel more confident during presentations as well as group sessions while gathering tips and constructive feedback for everyone to improve.
For software skills, workshops will be conducted to improve workflow as well as introduce some new programmes. QnA sessions are an integral part of these workshop and will be invaluable for students to ask anything in order to further familiarise themselves.
Softwares in the workshop include:
Photoshop
Indesign
Rhino
Lumion
Sketchup
Autocad
Our social agenda is all about utilising our creativity to add further value to rejuvenate play areas and reinvent the entire concept of play so that it mirrors that of a child's imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. We are aware of Chorlton’s tight knit community so we would personify that image in a safe yet playful environment. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the community around them, and we have been given this special opportunity to enhance this experience for them.
By looking at ‘play’, we would be discussing, collaborating and designing four themes that revolve around nature, inclusivity, adaptability and sustainability. These concepts would be developed into play areas, tailored for the users of Beech Road Park.
Meet our lovely collaborators - Friends of Beech Road Park Chorlton!
Friends of Beech Road Park is a community-led group of like-minded residents living in Chorlton who are passionate about and recognises the importance of green spaces access for everyone, especially in current times with the COVID lockdown. They play an active role in managing and maintaining the park, as well as plan events such as the recent Beech Road Park Mosaic, a home-based art project which is in partnership with Unity Arts, to foster a strong community spirit, not letting the lockdown hinder their enthusiasm.
Our main contact working alongside us is MSA’s own Laura Sanderson, a senior lecturer and a familiar face for those in the Continuity in Architecture atelier. Other Friends look forward to joining us periodically through MSA Live to participate and view our projects.
All of us here and our Friends cannot wait to meet everyone, and see all our creative ideas for unique play spaces for the kids in Chorlton and elevate the already important Beech Road Park to the next level for this tightly knit community!
WOAH is an architectural collective aimed to address the homelessness crisis in Manchester.
The GMHAN is a network for everyone working to end homelessness in Greater Manchester through large scale events aimed at co-designing the homelessness policy and showcasing best practice.
To learn more about the collaborators you can visit their social media pages and website following the links below:
In this project, we are focusing on visually communicating and broadcasting the goals, motivations and projects from WOAH + GMHAN. We are producing a website as the primary output, as such, our skills are related to those needed in building a successful website.