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ALLOTMENT GARDENS

The Aquarius centre currently has 11-12 small allotments shared with the community and Martenscroft. Hulme and Moss Side residents would like to expand growing to include gardening projects in the estate. Increasing allotment space along the green verges, which straddle the lost Highway and housing estate, transforms the area and allows more fresh produce for the community grocers and residents. The small allotment spaces will grow low maintenance hardy crops which would be primarily maintained by residents of the estate but overseen by the Aquarius, a Parents Association at Martenscroft school and the Workhouse Project.
Posted 21 May 2021 12:01
MARKET STALLS

Taking precedent from the market stalls along the Seine River in Paris, the market stalls instead aim to provide space for community events such as the ‘Community grocer’. The market stalls have been designed to lock up securely at night, and they can be leased to vendors for markets, charity bake sales, etcetera.
Posted 21 May 2021 12:01
TYRE WALL

The tyre wall is a crucial part of the redevelopment of the Lost Highway. It acts as a noise and pollution barrier from the busy Princess Road whilst facilitating plant growth, seating and advertisement along its stretch. Made from reused tyres and pallets, the extravagant ‘fence’ is affordable and appealing.
Posted 21 May 2021 12:00
Masterplan of the proposed development along the Lost Highway.

The final proposal transforms this neglected highway into an invaluable pedestrianised link between Hulme and Manchester offering community facilities based around food sharing, cooking and growing.
Posted 21 May 2021 11:58
Sad News!

Sadly today the team have received the news that the exhibition planned to open over summer has been postponed! Due to the restrictions and difficulty of collating exhibition items the partners have decided they would rather postpone the exhibition than do it not at its best.

The work produced during this week will be used when it comes time for the exhibition, and excitingly many of the team will be in Manchester next year which means everyone can be involved within the physical exhibition!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:57
Pods Unite!

As well as each amazing pod functioning separately we wanted the option for them to come together. This enables the children to engage in different activities and encourages interaction between different ages, skills and personalities. We want to create a space where children and communities can come together, to share ideas and imagination, creating endless opportunities for design and play!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:57
Day Ten // Friday’s Timetable
10:00 – 11:00 Feedback Quiz!
11:15 – 12:30 Finishing the publication document and answering any broader questions from the BA's on software, workflows and architecture as a profession!
13:30 – 14:30 Completing required feedback of both BA’s and MArch Team
14:45 – 16:30 Virtual drinks and celebrations – concluding thoughts on our project and sharing our finished publication document with collaborators and team.
Posted 21 May 2021 11:55
Today we finished our video tutorial aimed to engage the high school students about architecture with a specific focus on model making. Visit our youtube channel to view the video! Just by scanning the QR code on the poster

The link to it is also available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upd-T29h60Y&ab_channel=MSALIVEGROUP35
Posted 21 May 2021 11:45
A first preview of what to expect in our publication, which will be released later on in the day.




Posted 21 May 2021 11:42
Route 5 Finial Proposal: Tasteful Walk
Posted 21 May 2021 11:38
Route 4 Finial Proposal: Sound Walk of Chorlton Water Park
Posted 21 May 2021 11:38
Route 3 Finial Proposal: Cultural Walk
Posted 21 May 2021 11:37
Route 2 Finial Proposal Part 2: A Journey Through Time
Posted 21 May 2021 11:37
Route 2 Finial Proposal: A Journey Through Time
Posted 21 May 2021 11:36
Route 1 Finial Proposal: Cultural Walk
Posted 21 May 2021 11:34
PAST VS PRESENT

Offering windows into the past, translucent photo boards mark key points in space and time. Sited at precise locations, both modern and historic views can be experienced simultaneously by simply looking through the image. The experience is further enhanced with the inclusion of QR codes that signpost visitors to online resources allowing them to delve deeper into the heritage of the city.
Posted 21 May 2021 11:29
The survey interviews gave fantastic data on how parks are used and thought about from a large variety of people. First we made this data easily readable to then analyse it and represent it to explain found themes. Such as how those interviewed in India stated a want for shaded trees and water features compared to no such mentions in the UK.

This data in graphs is useful to visualise, whilst we take it a step further to abstract it and show the analysis graphically.
Posted 21 May 2021 11:24
Check out the schedule for our final day!

9 am - Debrief
9:30 am - Collation of work for our publication
12pm - Release of our publication
Posted 21 May 2021 11:14
Day 10
Submission Day!

Today our team will be working on final presentations and put all our works together for submission. After that we will have short reflection and thoughts discussion. It has been busy in these two weeks and there are many great works. Well done and thank you so much to everyone working on the project.
Posted 21 May 2021 11:13
DESIGN OUTPUT

Technical Resolution: Stacked Planters!

Using an IKEA style graphic, we have illustrated how our stacked planters would be constructed in four simple steps. We have envisioned a re-use strategy that proposes to use material available at the Platt Fields site, such as wooden pallets, crates, and boards.

These planters are an effective planting strategy because they are raised from the ground. All visitors can use these planters, from wheelchair users to elderly and able-bodied individuals.

We are all really pleased with how these have turned out…great work!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:12
The final day of MSA Live has arrived! Today we will meet with our collaborator Amos, and wrap-up with a quiz and team social.

DAY 10 HIGHLIGHTS!

09:30 - Intro & Briefing
09:40 - Presentation from Amos
10:10 - Presentation of the Final Outputs to Amos
13:00 - Quiz
14:00 - Project Team Social!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:10
DESIGN OUTPUT

Technical Resolution: Vertical Planters!

Using an IKEA style graphic, we have illustrated how our vertical planters would be constructed in four simple steps. We have envisioned a re-use strategy that proposes to use material available at the Platt Fields site, such as old wooden doors, hinges, and hooks.

The varying heights of shelves, pots, and tools etc are suitable to all visitors, from wheelchair users to visually impaired individuals.

We are all really pleased with how these have turned out…great work!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:06
DESIGN OUTPUT

Technical Resolution: Accessible Planters!

Using an IKEA style graphic, we have illustrated how our accessible planters would be constructed in four simple steps. We have envisioned a re-use strategy that proposes to use material available at the Platt Fields site, such as wooden pallets, crates, and boards.

These inclusive planters have been designed to allow wheelchair users to engage in gardening, making the task as easy as possible.

We are all really pleased with how these have turned out…great work!
Posted 21 May 2021 11:01
At the end of week one we used what we have learnt to inform the survey interview questions for the best understanding of how parks are used around the world.

Using ranking questions allows us to compare the answers more easily. Open questions give us personal responses to analyse. This information gives us first hand data to inform our understanding of parks and further our research and eventually conclusion.
Posted 21 May 2021 10:51
Yesterday we met with Helen Aston for our final review, we were also joined by Joy Burgess, a PhD student at MMU. We presented the final how WOMEN build? blog as well as a feminist timeline, infographics about female admissions at the Manchester School of Architecture, a feminist poster naming all female graduates from the school in the last 100 years and a series of feminist case study posters.

Helen was extremely happy with all the outputs and efforts made by the BA1 and 2 students. Well done Group 10!
Posted 21 May 2021 10:51
DAY 10 - FINAL DAY SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 21th MAY 2021

10:30 Final Presentations to Vanessa, our Collaborator at Purcell

12:00 Concluding Thoughts and Questions
Posted 21 May 2021 10:32
Our Third Output - The Canvas Pod

With this pod, we wanted to give young people the freedom to draw and sketch, create and analyse! This pod has removable faces attached to the exciting hexagon frames with Velcro. Each face has a different finish and allows the users to draw in different mediums, making the pod versatile but also the functional pulling apart aspect allows young people to decide what face goes where and how the space is planned out.

See our previous posts to see how this pod was developed!!
Posted 21 May 2021 10:27
Our Second Output - The Model Making Pod

This pod was designed to extremely benefit TASC but also to become a space for the use of the Local Community. This retractable pod can be pulled apart and folded together making it super easy to transport to different settings.
When pulled apart, it becomes a functional shelter with several shelves to store model making materials as well as models but also with the smart use of removable surfaces, young people can decide to position them at different heights and design their own seating, tables, shelves or exhibition spaces.

Look at our previous posts to see how this pod was developed!!
Posted 21 May 2021 10:24
Day 7 we approached our park research in a new way to interview as many people around the world as possible with our online survey.

This gave us incredible rich data allowing analysis into why people respond to parks the way they do with emotions and descriptions. As well as the difference in how people want to use parks and how they do not currently provide for these functions, and more.

These abstractions along with the survey information in graphs and statements show an informed research and analysis to answer our question of how parks typologies are unified globally.
Posted 21 May 2021 10:24
DAY 10!

Great thanks to everyone!
Posted 21 May 2021 10:21
Our First Output - The Sensory Pod

This pod was designed to encourage young people to play and interact with the space using different senses. The pod is made up of three segments which pulled apart work in a different way to how they are put together. We have a green wall, a climbing net frame and a platform where young people not only play but also can spend some time designing or exploring the built environment!

Look at our previous posts to see how this pod was developed!!
Posted 21 May 2021 10:20
It’s all about the context in the Spatial Design Task. The brief is to create a COVID friendly plan of the 5 workshops, mapped in the Niamos Radical Arts & Culture Center - a site for the festival. Measurements from previous ergonomic tasks should be used to inform design decisions. Supportive perspective visuals from different views around the space which show the different workshops in action will also be useful to give a feel for space.

This task is for everyone to work together and use the knowledge and information that each group has studied in more detail throughout the project.
Posted 21 May 2021 09:44
Submission Day!! Today will be the final stretch to pull everything together for submission. It has been super busy for the last 2 weeks, we went through a lot of research and produced an incredible amount of work as a team. Well done and thank you to everyone who has contributed in this project.

10:00 - Briefing
10:15 - Finalise Output
11:00 - Group Discussion
12:00 - Submission !
12:15 - Debrief and Reflection
12:30 - Enjoy your summer!
Posted 21 May 2021 09:36
The next task is called Step by Step and the aim is to draw a sequence of movements. The brief is to draw 3-5 steps involved in a movement as outlined drawings. The aim is to provide clarity to beginners taking part in the workshops and to help them learn how to perform the acts. They are essentially a guide, like you see on gym guides, for example. These drawings can be zoomed in (hand grips, foot locks) or wider scale drawings (whole body movement). They are to compliment the collages we have already done for the 10 images.
Posted 21 May 2021 09:01
Thursday began with a photoshop tutorial from Angel who explained how adjustments can be made to images to provide depth and realism. She walked us through using brushes, masks and other render elements and how they can immediately add atmosphere. This was done with the intention of having the visualisations completed in time for the client presentation tomorrow.
Posted 21 May 2021 08:42
PLANTER BENCH

The planter bench proposal is a flexible design which has been created to give the park a small area for people and children to sit, interact or have a picnic or a dance! The planter speaks the same language as the potting shed and the welcome arch by incorporating the tiled walls, treated wooden tops and pedestal legs. The planter will be a moveable piece which can be sited anywhere in the park.
Posted 21 May 2021 08:16
ARCH

The welcome arch has been designed to welcome members of the community as well as new visitors into the park. Marking the threshold space between the entrance and the green space. It also frames the pathway leading directly across the park creating a meeting place for friends and families to gather.
Posted 21 May 2021 08:15
THE POTTING SHED

The potting shed is orientated in fenced corner towards Beech Road, the south side of the site. Nursery plants are displayed in the window of the solar space near the boundary of the park for the passers by to view.
Posted 21 May 2021 08:13
Take a look at a snapshot from our Miro Board that we have populated with useful knowledge, weblinks and readings conducted by the whole team.

Whilst working online, its important to maintain a teamwork space and Miro provided us with a collaborative online whiteboard space. We have used Miro since day 1 for collating useful team reading information, sketch design strategies and as a virtual presentation board in online design reviews with external partners and collaborators.

Over the last few days, we have been bringing work completed by all the groups within modulARCH onto the Miro Board to format and plan out the final outputs for the Live Project.
Posted 21 May 2021 03:42
The apartments and the house sefaira analysis was conducted for the 21st March 12pm, overall the spaces are well-lit but require artificial lighting due to the UK climate.
Posted 21 May 2021 03:39
Every house is 74m2, which using an approximation of £150 per square foot (based on industry specialist advice) results in each CLT house costing around £119,400. The scheme consists of 12 houses costing an approximate total of £1,432,800. This figure is in line with Manchester City Council's approximate budget of £150,000 per housing unit.



The apartment measures 267m2 per floor, with 4 floors providing a total floor area of 1068m2. Using an industry experts' approximation of £180 per square foot. The total cost for the apartments is approximately £2,069,100.
Posted 21 May 2021 03:38
As we put together the final amendments to the housing schemes, we have been detailing the apartment modules to understand how the modular units could be manufactured off-site in factory conditions to ensure high-quality fabrication.

This exploded axonometric view of the details for the modular apartments shows the wall build-up from brick cladding to internal wall finish along with the steel structure system. These steel frame modules will be stacked on top of each other to form a mid-rise apartment building – although the number of floors can be amended depending on the site context.
Posted 21 May 2021 03:38
History group reflection

Isaac Ndung'U :
I enjoyed the learning experience, it was a chance to know more about a new place (Rochdale) and structure. I also appreciate the guidance I got from the masters students while working it. Thank you.
Posted 21 May 2021 01:21
Community group reflection

Daud Ahmad:
I liked the how the project was solid and had real world implications.

Ziyi Wang:
The project was really well planned and I enjoyed the activities. The guidance from the master students helped me understand how to convey information through graphics which I thought was very useful and meaningful.
Posted 21 May 2021 01:21
Culture group reflection

Elena Grozeva:
I really enjoyed the guidance that we were getting throughout the project. The tasks were interesting, easy to follow and led us easily through the whole process. Also, the advice from the masters students was very useful.

Isabella Mearns:
I readjusted enjoyed the work we were given and the progress I have made on photoshop and other programmes. However I do wish that the groups were slightly more integrated with each other so I could get know the rest of the group better.

Jay Hooper:
The brief for each task was extremely specific, which was great because I knew exactly what elements and what style to create the graphical pieces with. I just wish there was a lot more discussions to bounce ideas around the entire group instead of our breakout ones.
Posted 21 May 2021 01:21
DESIGN OUTPUT

Visuals for Storyboard!

As a team we decided to present our proposed interventions using a storyboard. This storyboard showcases how visitors use the workshop facilities. The images on this post show how we have proposed to improve accessibility, from levelling out pathways, introducing ramps, and adding raised working platforms.

We are all really pleased with the quality of these images, well done team!
Posted 21 May 2021 00:37
DESIGN OUTPUT

Visuals for Storyboard!

As a team we decided to present our proposed interventions using a storyboard. This storyboard showcases how we have proposed to make gardening accessible. The images on this post showcase the growing process of various plants. The images on this post showcase the growing process of various plants, from planting seeds in the greenhouse, through to planting in planters and raised beds.

We are all really pleased with the quality of these images, well done team!
Posted 21 May 2021 00:17
Overview!
Over the past two week, this phenomenal group has been able to produce work at an astounding level. From the outset of our project, The MArch students were able to welcome the BA and MLA students on board and take them through the projects aims and outputs. Firstly, the group had to understanding the values of Chorlton, then diving straight into work and carrying out site analysis. The group then split into two team to begin mapping potential routes that can utilise Chorltons heritage and promote walking and cycling.
Posted 21 May 2021 00:14
DESIGN OUTPUT

Visuals for Storyboard!

As a team we decided to present our proposed interventions using a storyboard. This storyboard showcases how a visitor walks through the site and highlights what they should expect to see. The images on this post showcase a visitors journey, from entering the site, to walking through the market, and to walking through the picnic area.

We are all really pleased with the quality of these images, well done team!
Posted 20 May 2021 23:46
D-Day, Group Presentation!
Today we kick started our event with a short quiz on the history of Chorlton. Although some guests were from Chorlton, our quiz proved to be a little bit of a challenge. Then, the two teams of the group were able to present five eye catching proposals. With our teams pleasing work, we have been advised on taking the route ‘Sounds of Walk’ further by collaborate with relevant parties to give our proposal a chance of being implemented! Not to mention too, the proposed route ‘Cultural Walk’ was highly praised by the guests, seeing it as a potential of bringing social value.
Posted 20 May 2021 23:14
DESIGN OUTPUT

Final Site Plan!

Today we put the finishing touches on our site plan.

We have reconfigured the existing Platt Fields site plan to be accessible and inclusive to all. We have introduced new pathways, seating arrangements, and interventions, whilst keeping the growing, market, and workshop spaces as existing. We have recommended new pathway materiality’s, widened pathway’s where necessary, and removed any obstructions.

Our aim was to make the allotment as safe as possible for those less-able. We believe that the suggestions made would encourage disabled persons to visit the site regularly and to take up a new hobby!
Posted 20 May 2021 22:57
Zine Final Push

With a feedback meeting planned for today, the team was in full action stations making sure the Zine was as completed as possible. The team split into groups once more taking up specific tasks to ensure the completion of the Zine.

We had one team focusing on the graphics within the Zine. Final adjustments and alterations have been made to pages to ensure that the narrative and aesthetic story throughout is clear.
One group focused on the editing of text, cross referencing with the content curated by the team to ensure that all history was correct and that there was nothing left out.
And finally one team carried on working on the remaining pages of the Zine.

We are as whole incredibly proud and excited to share our work with you and hope that it is enjoyable to read as it has been to create!
Posted 20 May 2021 22:27
Today the modeling group focused on using twin-motion to produce baseline renders, used Photoshop to edit and layout work, creating a presentation board. This board will be used to show 10-15-year-olds to show them how work can develop from a physical model to final render, sections, and floor plans.
Posted 20 May 2021 22:10
Day 9: Final Models.

Today each of our groups of students created their final models for each of their designs. We think these models really explain the designs clearly and have allowed the students to explore their designs in detail.

Posted 20 May 2021 21:51
Preparing the Publication

After finishing the final design changes, our team worked together by preparing the pages for the publication document. Initially, the team had discussions about what to put on each page and then we were divided into smaller groups working on each page separately.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:41
Responding to the Feedback

Today our team was divided into smaller groups working on different aspects of the project based on the feedback that we received yesterday from our collaborators. According to the feedback, the different groups had to think about how the building could be more secured, find a place for a small reception desk and improve the design of the side elevation.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:33
DECOLONISING ARCHITCETURE

As a break from all the production today, the team watched and discussed 100 Day Studio: Black Females in Architecture - 'Decolonising Architecture'. This dialogue was very interesting as it shed light on ongoing issues surrounding race within the UK. As we are mapping the levels of diversity across the UK, having this discussion is very important in order to further educate ourselves of existing problems.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:15
Group 3, have had a great presentation and showed reasonable understanding to the current on going problem of Nelson. They have developed a final design narrative, which was clearly shown in their process from inception to completion.
External partners and guests from Pendle borough council have all been mesmerised with the overall outcome of the groups and the energy of input as well as, the attention to detail that had been carried in all projects.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:15
Our final presentation has been going perfectly and Group 2 have developed an exquisite final proposal, which had gained the satisfaction of the whole guests, including the external partners.
The students showed persistency and consistency in their final approach and provided all of the deliverables on time, with great graphics and response to the rising issues of Nelson
Posted 20 May 2021 21:14
Today was a great session! Both groups discussed their progress so far. The students worked incredibly well and created great sets of drawing for our final booklet. We were pleasantly surprised by the outcome! Next, both groups will focus on final layouts and add some finishing touches for tomorrow's presentation to our partners!
Posted 20 May 2021 21:14
Group 1, Our final day of reviewing the work, has been really good and the students have managed to deliver the work on time according to the requirements of the external partners and guests from the Pendle borough council.
The final feedback from our guests has been very insightful and constructive and the overall work has exceeded the norm of expectations.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:13
We're thinking back to the virtual school trip presentation, which went excellently and we're all very proud of! It was great to see the kids so enthusiastic to learn about the coal and power industries, and to answer lots of their questions! Being from London, the kids already knew about the buildings of these industries, so it was great to get to teach them what happens behind closed doors. It was amazing to see just how much the kids already knew, especially on topics such as recycling and gender equality! We're looking forward to launching the website tomorrow, to be used by lots more schools in the future!
Posted 20 May 2021 21:13
Final presentations from the team was attended by our external partners (IN-SITU) and Pendle borough council. The final outcome was extremely immaculate, and students have performed brilliantly.
These have achieved the satisfaction of our external partners, as well as, the final feedback has been very informative and fed well into the final amendments of each project.
Posted 20 May 2021 21:13
Today, our team spent all day putting the final website together. Stay tuned: Our new website is on its way! #WIP
Posted 20 May 2021 21:05
Written by first year student Ananya to share her new understand of exhibition design following Olivia's interesting masterclass in exhibition deisgn: " I’ve learnt to a great extent about Exhibition design from the master students, and each aspect seems to be equally as important as the other. The first and main aspect is to design based on the intended viewers which in our case were children. Therefore we had to use bright colours and child friendly graphics/animations to adjust to their liking. The target audience therefore creates the theme for the design automatically. We also learnt that creating an engaging story with a lenient flow keeps the audience engrossed. Using modern technology such as new softwares like InDesign and Adobe Illustrator was of great use as well. At the beginning of the MSA Live, us, first year students had barely any knowledge about these softwares but the master students guided us and helped us through it all and I couldn’t be more grateful for how much effort and work they put in to actually teach us AND alongside make the website look stunning." Thanks Ananya!
Posted 20 May 2021 21:01
Day 9: Collating the final designs.

Today all of our outputs for each of the three schemes have been brought together and collated into a booklet for our clients. It has been great to see the students pulling together to produce stylistically similar pieces of work as well as creating some fantastic final models to explain the scheme successfully.

These axonometric drawings have been created by our various groups of students. They have been drawn to describe each individual scheme in a clear and concise way to our clients.

The final designs have come together to make a coherent and creative presentation which we are all looking forward to presenting tomorrow!
Posted 20 May 2021 20:55
PRESENTATION

Today our team presented design works to the Whitworth Team, including Olga Gribben (Development and Stakeholder Management), Francine Hayfron (Cultural Park Keeper), Alistair Hudson (Collaborator and Director at Manchester Art Gallery) and Patrick Osborn (Landscape and Sustainability Technician). We are really delighted to have them joining us in reviewing what we have progressed in these intensive two weeks. During the presentation, we have talked about individual ideas of BA students in the first week and also introduced three different house options developed in the second week. We are glad to receive some positive feedbacks from our partner.

Many thanks for everyone's impressive works! Well done!
Posted 20 May 2021 19:29
PRESENTATION

Today our team presented design works to the Whitworth Team, including Olga Gribben (Development and Stakeholder Management), Francine Hayfron (Cultural Park Keeper), Alistair Hudson (Collaborator and Director at Manchester Art Gallery) and Patrick Osborn (Landscape and Sustainability Technician). We are really delighted to have them joining us in reviewing what we have progressed in these intensive two weeks. During the presentation, we have talked about individual ideas of BA students in the first week and also introduced three different house options developed in the second week. We are glad to receive some positive feedbacks from our partner.

Many thanks for everyone's impressive works! Well done!
Posted 20 May 2021 19:28
The team quite enthusiastically expressed their thoughts on the whole project. And we thought this is something that’s worth sharing with everyone! Well, what’s the use of all the effort if you don’t find it enjoyable and meaningful!

M. Arch student testimonies

Samuel Andrew Sayle
Working with Ecospheric on a live project expanded my knowledge on sustainable technologies, whilst developing my own leadership skills. Helping the BA’s was a rewarding task, by helping them with tips and tricks learnt in practice that I wish I was told during my UG degree.

George Edward Williams
Using the Little Rissington project as a teaching tool for how sustainabile and innovative technologies are embedded into a contextually challenging project has been fascinating. Working alongside the BA students to produce the visual content to support the building’s planning application has been a valuable experience. During the project we have interacted with the project team, Ecospheric and Rural Solutions, as well as various industry leading professionals to learn about environmental design.

Holly Millburn
This project has been a great opportunity for me to learn more about innovative technologies in a rural context. It has also been great to be involved in a live project, and to have been able to give our BA team the experience of utilising research in practice.

Michael Thomas Walsh
Having already had an interest in sustainable technology, I found this project to be insightful. Being asked to look at potential innovations whilst being mindful of the sensitive planning context really pushed me to think outside the box and reconsider how I approach sustainable design.

Kathleen Karveli
With my previous experience in sustainable technologies being limited, this project has been an opportunity to explore innovative solutions towards a zero-carbon future. Working alongside a large group has been a given me a great insight into the challenges and prospects of a live projects such as this.

Arundika Weerasekera
Passivhaus designs are something I’m quite familiar with as an Asian but I was more interested in learning how the countries with a temperate climate addresses the design complications sustainably! I was able to learn a surprising amount of knowledge in just a two weeks period and how they’ve been utilised by our client Ecospheric. A great team of Masters and Bachelors students made the experience significant.

BA student testimonies

Saif Hajazi
The Ecospheric project has given me an insight into technologies that are aiding to shape the future of sustainable architecture. It was extremely insightful researching into ground-breaking and future technologies that haven’t yet reached the mainstream market. It has allowed to me to gain knowledge in sustainable and Passivhaus architecture that I can hopefully take forward throughout my degree.

Niya Lijo Kankapadan
Coming into this I was looking to learn principles regarding passivhaus design. But what I ended up with was all that and more! With the numerous talks from experienced passivhaus specialists and architects, we applied this understanding into a project with Ecospheric and Rural Solutions allowed for a holistic appreciation for the concept. Working with the M.Arch and undergraduates has been an interesting experience as it opened up new perspectives and ideas for sustainable solutions.

Fraser Matthews
This project was a good in-depth summation of the varied technologies and principles behind passivehaus design, appropriately shown through a real building project and talks from industry professionals. It was a great opportunity to practise some of my earlier learning and skills from the Environmental Technologies module of my course and there was an excellent level of teamwork to ensure that the 2 weeks was never overly intense.

Ryan Mall
Working on this live project has allowed me to research, and become more knowledgeable on, elements of Architecture I may not have considered. It has also taught me the importance of sustainable energy and how it can be implemented into building design.

Jacky Cheng Kai Li
In this ECOtswolds project, the experience of taking part in a live project and working alongside masters students have been fantastic. Listening to speakers and researching innovative energy system has brought great insight to me on the push for more carbon neutral structures.

Fabio De Luca
This project has helped to expand my knowledge based on green technologies which can help to push for a more sustainable future. It's been a great opportunity to develop my skills on various software’s including with help from MArch students who have work experience in practice.

Chi-Hao Tseng
The project was a great opportunity for me to learn about the current architectural landscape, including net carbon zero and Passive House designs using cutting edge building strategies, technologies, while taking heritage and site context into careful consideration. Additionally, it enabled me to get a taste of what an active project is like in real life by hearing from the professionals, and to hear from MArch students about their experiences after undergraduate, and helping me learn various software and diagramming skills.

Alexia Teodora Borocoman
I enjoyed how this project emphasized on innovative technologies within architecture while including traditional, passive methods of construction. Moreover, this project offered me an insight of the profession through several talks and tutorials and consolidated my passion for energy-efficient design.

Posted 20 May 2021 19:05
1 MORE DAY TO GO !

As the end is fast approaching within Mapping Colour. The Graphic Design (GD) team and Model Making (MM) team spent today finalising the infographic posters and exhibition booths for our final presentation with the BPIC Network tomorrow.
Posted 20 May 2021 18:50
1 MORE DAY TO GO !

As the end is fast approaching within Mapping Colour. The Graphic Design (GD) team and Model Making (MM) team spent today finalising the infographic posters and exhibition booths for our final presentation with the BPIC Network tomorrow.
Posted 20 May 2021 18:50
1 MORE DAY TO GO !

As the end is fast approaching within Mapping Colour. The Graphic Design (GD) team and Model Making (MM) team spent today finalising the infographic posters and exhibition booths for our final presentation with the BPIC Network tomorrow.
Posted 20 May 2021 18:50
Day 9 - Final Review

Joe Jessop and Judith (GT3) returned to review the work we had done in the last week and in relation to their feedback from the review last Friday. This was largely to focus on the park itself and to integrate our building proposals better so that they display the same architectural language. Using the serial visions we had produced as a team, Jack put them alongside the corresponding existing site images to show how our proposals would better the park and Marple. This was followed by a skim through our publication document. Both guests were very complimentary about the final outputs and the standard of work, particularly during Covid times. This is a testament to the hard work of the team over the last 2 weeks.

Joe finished by saying:

‘...I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thanks to you all. I thought you did very well in absolute terms and brilliantly well given the circumstances.  By way of congratulations I would buy you all a pint if it weren’t for Covid.’
Posted 20 May 2021 18:16
Day 9

Final Push!
Our team has worked really hard to produce drawings and visualizations for our designs. We showed our idea to our collaborators and presented our two weeks developed masterplan and building layouts to them. Based on their feedbacks, we are now compiling our works to presentation format for publication tomorrow.
Posted 20 May 2021 18:09
This week the students have been sketching and designing the community spaces along our site. They have also been making collages to show our intentions and the importance of community engagement, by finding ways in which local residents, community centres, and schools in the neighbourhood can be involved in the scheme.
Posted 20 May 2021 18:09
It's Presentation Day!

Today we are delighted to have Tom Bloxham, Oliver Clarke from Urban Splash, Louise Wyman from Manchester City Council and Edward Fox from MSA joining us in our presentation on the work and ideas we
developed for the Blueline during this intensive two-weeks. We are glad to have received some very positive feedbacks and valuable suggestions from our guests. It was an insightful conversation. Good work everyone!
Posted 20 May 2021 18:09
Sensory Pod: The Process!

As we draw near to the end of our project, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the design process to see how the pods have evolved. The initial idea was to create a sensory experience for touch, smell, and sight. The final pod has managed to include texture walls, areas of contrasting light, and even a plant wall for refreshing smells!

We can't wait to share the final designs with you!
Posted 20 May 2021 17:48
Canvas Pod: The Process!

As we draw near to the end of our project, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the design process to see how the pods have evolved. From initial sketch models, the Canvas Pod has retained its hexagonal shape and multi-levels. The walls act as canvases for the children to draw on. The different heights create exciting areas for discovery and play.

We can't wait to share the final designs with you!

Posted 20 May 2021 17:48
Model Making Pod: The Process!

As we draw near to the end of our project, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the design process to see how the pods have evolved. The Model Making Pod provides a space for children to get physical with model making. The idea of foldable tables, from the walls, have been focal from start to finish! Shelves at either side of the pod are perfect for storing materials and stationery. At the end of the day, this pod can be folded down and packed away, creating something new for the children to explore.

We can't wait to share the final designs with you!
Posted 20 May 2021 17:47
Day 9

Chapel Designs!
The chapel has been described as a sacred space in our masterplan and allows resident to join and engage together. It is somehow a destination place where people worship within the neighbourhood. Abu and Irina have looked at different designs of churches and focused on how light interacts with materiality to create a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Posted 20 May 2021 17:44