Group 34
UPCYCLE

The well-loved Levenshulme South railway station will be restored and transformed into Station Green; a destination cycle café, bar and bike repair shop with a great public space for events and an urban garden for all to enjoy. We will be leaving our mark on Station Green, the up-and-coming place to be – by building our own furniture!

Download Final Report

Norzafeera Binti NM / Amizatul Shayidah Binti MF / Nur Dalila Binti N / Songchuan Y

Norzafeera Binti NM
INTRODUCING OUR COLLABORATOR

Station South is a passionate, creative and abundantly social Community Interest Company set up by Abigail, Mark, and Pauline with their shared aim to restore a building to run a great cycle café, bar, and a permaculture inspired garden that is based in the heart of an urban village along the A6 in Levenshulme, on the UK’s longest urban cycleway (The Fallowfield Loop) in a re-imagined Victorian railway station.

Their plan is to convert Levenshulme Station South into a warm and welcoming space and set up a business that will sustain its long-term future as an independent, environmentally friendly active travel hub, to support Levenshulme and neighbors intrinsically and benefit the wider cycling community of Manchester, Stockport and beyond. In line with this, they are working to connect more local people back to nature in the bustling city, while encouraging cycling and giving back to the community.

Station South is imagined to be an open, creative, ethical, low-carbon and socially-minded venture that people really want to visit, with or without bikes.

Find out more about Station South through their website and social media links,

Website: https://stationsouth.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stationsouth/
Instagram: @stationsouth
Twitter: @stationsouth
Posted 14 Mar 2022 18:25
Norzafeera Binti NM
SOCIAL VALUE

This project gives us the opportunity to give back to the people. Station South will be where the local populace, made up of a diverse range of backgrounds, can come together and interact amongst themselves, and with the day-trippers that happen to stop by.

Community
With the community in mind, our team aims to design furniture that is practical to be used in many ways while encouraging interactions and chance encounters, which is important in fostering a strong community. Our collaboration and cooperation with the community and with each other will enhance social skills.

Sustainability
We will be exploring reused and recycled materials for the furniture and placemaking elements. The end product would be actual furniture along with its manual for making, enabling the community to recycle materials and build ones of their own.

Environment
In the making of the furniture, we will be considering the context and environmental aims of Station South. We will also be exploring placemaking elements to complement the scheme, and make the place more lively – perfect for social activities!
Posted 14 Mar 2022 18:28
Norzafeera Binti NM
SKILL SHARE

During this event, participants will be able to explore various aspects of furniture design through sketching, a series of basic software workshops, group discussions, visual rendering, and model making. There will be opportunities to engage with the wider community, and to further understand human ergonomics which can be applied in future design projects.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

In Week 1, participants will be divided into three groups to explore ideas for furniture designs based on the brief given. At the end of week 1, we will be having a session with our collaborators to choose the furniture design that best suits Station South.

In Week 2, we will be building these ideas! The product will be handed over to Station South at the end of the week.
Posted 14 Mar 2022 18:30
Amizatul Shayidah Binti MF
MEET THE TEAM // Amizatul

Atelier: Some Kind of Nature
Part 1 education: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia ​
Part 1 work experience: Z&SR Architectural Ventures, Malaysia and Urban Scale Architect, Malaysia.

Hello everyone! I am a passionate architecture student who loves volunteer work and enjoyed club activities. During my spare time, I played table tennis with my friends.

UpCycle Station South CIC piques my interest because it incorporates all of the community projects, and having a repurposed train station transformed into a bike café is unique! It will also educate us on how to collaborate with clients and work as a team. Plus, this project will be completed shortly, and we will be able to visit this location frequently in the next years to watch how it is progressing! What more could I ask for than to see people appreciating our work?​

​
Posted 14 Mar 2022 18:43
Nur Dalila Binti N
MEET THE TEAM // Dalila

Atelier: &rchitecture​
Part 1 education: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia​
Part 1 work experience: Zigma Design Studio, Malaysia & Universiti Teknologi MARA (as a research assistant), Malaysia​

Hello, I’m Dalila! :) a Malaysian who currently enjoys navigating life in Manchester. Having spent a year of my RIBA Part 1 in a small practice in Malaysia, I am now a 5th year in MSA, as a part of the &rch atelier. Throughout my studies, I have always enjoyed creating designs that will bring a positive impact on the community.

I feel like our MSA Live project, Upcycle is a really exciting project for us to potentially leave our mark on Station South, and a great opportunity to give back to the community! Alongside our friendly collaborators, we can’t wait to get started!
Posted 14 Mar 2022 18:53
Norzafeera Binti NM
MEET THE TEAM // Norzafeera

Atelier: Some Kind of Nature
Part 1 Education: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia ​
Part 1 Work Experience: Norlia Architect, Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, GDP Architects Sdn Bhd, BIM Integrate Solution & Z&SR Architectural Ventures, Malaysia

Hello, I'm Zafeera! I had completed my architectural degree in Malaysia and I am currently in my first year of Master of Architecture, in Some Kind of Nature atelier where I truly enjoy learning about decentralizing humans and advocate for multiple species.

I am deeply passionate about sustainability and green wilderness to reduce environmental impact of the world. I am looking forward to collaborate with you on this interesting Station South Upcycle project along with other group members where we can explore about upcycling recyclable materials and learn step-by-step how to make multifunctional furniture for Station South CIC and their future visitors.
Posted 14 Mar 2022 19:05
Norzafeera Binti NM
MEET THE TEAM // Songchuan Yang ​

Atelier: CPU [ai]​
Part 1 education: University of Dundee ​

Done my undergraduate experience in interior & environmental design at the University of Dundee. I'm interested in mixed-use and social projects. Looking forward to completing this exciting project with you guys.
Posted 14 Mar 2022 19:19
Norzafeera Binti NM
STATION SOUTH IS NOW OPEN!

Hello everyone, it's been a while. We're sorry for the hiatus, but we are here with exciting news: Station South, the destination cycle café, bar, urban garden, and community hangout is now open for everyone!

As we were informed, this has been our collaborator's passion project for many years, and they are all excited to share this fresh new look with you.

Looking for a place to chill on your Easter break? Head onto Station South for drinks, meals, or even bike repairs!



Location as below,
975-977 Stockport Rd, M19 3NP

Pro-tip: if you're heading there by bus, bus 192 stops directly in front of the place ;)
Posted 26 Apr 2022 09:04
Norzafeera Binti NM
LAUNCHING OF STATION SOUTH

We were honoured to be the guests of their launching event on 25th March. Seeing how the space has been transformed and watching the community getting together and supporting each other for the launch fueled our excitement to get our collaboration, Upcycle up and going!

Our excitement also led us to leave some messages in their time capsule :D

Don't forget to check out their social media for updates and events!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stationsouth/
Instagram: @stationsouth
Twitter: @stationsouth
Posted 26 Apr 2022 09:05
Norzafeera Binti NM
BIKE REPAIRS AT STATION SOUTH

Do you have a bicycle that needs some TLC, and are living in Levenshulme? Good news, the Bike Station workshop at Station South is now open!

It is open for repairs, servicing, parts and accessories, so pop in and say hello! :)

Opening times are as stated in the post. To book an appointment, drop an email at bikes@stationsouth.co.uk
Posted 26 Apr 2022 09:05
Norzafeera Binti NM
WEEK 1 // Activities Plan for the Week
Posted 15 May 2022 02:43
Norzafeera Binti NM
WEEK 2 // Activities Plan for the Week
Posted 15 May 2022 02:44
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // Introduction & Site Visit
Posted 16 May 2022 23:27
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // Ice breaker

MSA Live '22 is finally here!

After many exchanges of emails, today we had our first official group meeting where we met together and introduced ourselves.

We had a briefing about the project and its expected outcomes, also on the schedule for the entire two weeks.

We then headed over to Station South for our site visit.
Posted 16 May 2022 23:49
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // Heading to Station South CIC site

It took us around 30-45 minutes by bus to reach Station South CIC building from the Chatham building
Posted 17 May 2022 01:34
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // Site exploration!

The team pushed through with the site visit, although it was raining lightly. There, we split into groups for the project. We also managed to sneak a photo of us at the Fallowfield Loop, just under Station South, before the rain started to get heavy.

While walking through the site and explaining Station South's future plans, the teams were given a map of the site so they could mark the possible placements of furniture as we go.

We took pictures and did some on-site sketches of our initial thoughts of the site. It was wonderful to see the Fallowfield Loop in use today - we saw cyclists, joggers and people taking their dogs out for a walk! These helped spark some ideas on the project.
Posted 17 May 2022 02:15
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // Work in progress

We continued our sketches in the building, where we also get to observe Station South's progress as a cafe/cycling hub.

Once everyone was done, we had a mini presentation where each member talked about their thoughts on the site and their initial ideas about the furniture. We had some fruitful conversations regarding the project's "vision," as well as strategies for the furniture to benefit the larger community.

We also had an online session with some people who can't make it to the site today.
Posted 17 May 2022 02:16
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 1 // End of Day

By the end of the day, we had sketches of our initial ideas for the furniture, which we will bring in to tomorrow's session, where we can enhance them according to the project's desired outputs.

Thank you to our team members who participated today. Looking forward to the days ahead! :)
Posted 17 May 2022 02:17
Songchuan Y
Day 2
Posted 17 May 2022 11:18
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 2 // Design & Construction for Placemaking Ideas

We presented a short slide to the students to allow them to familiarise themselves with various placemaking ideas as precedents.

Then, in groups, students develop their designs further from yesterday's initial sketches with their own precedents.


Posted 17 May 2022 12:20
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 2 // Design Discussion

At the end of the day, each group were asked to present their developed ideas after studying human ergonomics, materiality and connection method for their prototype.

It was nice to see two groups presented today show a bit of similarity where they incorporated parametric bench and green wilderness into their proposed prototype.

Thank you to those who attended today's session. See you guys again soon!
Posted 17 May 2022 23:28
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 2 // Group 1 Design Progress

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 18 May 2022 15:09
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 2 // Group 2 Design Progress

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 18 May 2022 15:09
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 2 // Group 3 Design Progress

Design development by Damla Tunc, Harrison Baker and Si Xing Audrey Ma
Posted 18 May 2022 15:10
Norzafeera Binti NM
Hey guys!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there are minor changes to the MSA Live venue. Also, after much deliberation within the team, the output of our project has changed according to the time frame of the project and the availability of equipment for model making.

Watch this space ;)

Posted 18 May 2022 15:18
Norzafeera Binti NM
ANNOUNCEMENT // Venue Update

Hey guys!

There are minor changes in our MSA Live venue due to unforeseen circumstances. For more information to reach the location, don't hesitate to drop us a message through Upcycle Teams chat or Whatsapp group.

Hoping to see you guys there.
Posted 18 May 2022 21:47
Norzafeera Binti NM
ANNOUNCEMENT // Updated Output

We decided to change our output from 1:1 scaled furniture to:
1. 1:5 Scaled Model
2. Instruction Manual
3. Visualisation
Posted 18 May 2022 23:30
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 3 // Exploring 3D Model
Posted 18 May 2022 23:34
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 3 // 3D Modelling

Today, in respective groups, we simplified our design through SketchUp software so that it is moveable, easy to assemble and cost-effective.

We had Kengo Kuma buildings as precedents for our prototype connection. There are so many ways to connect the furniture elements together yahoo
Posted 18 May 2022 23:57
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 3 // Group 1 Design Progress

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 19 May 2022 12:09
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 3 // Group 2 Design Progress

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 19 May 2022 12:55
Norzafeera Binti NM
That marks the end of Day 3, excited for the days ahead!

P/S: Business school got the best equipment yo
Posted 19 May 2022 14:43
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 4 // Laser Cut Preparation
Posted 19 May 2022 14:48
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 4 // Laser Cut Preparation

Today each group was required to finalise their simplified 3D models and export them into 2D drawings either using Autodesk AutoCAD or Adobe Illustrator. The connection for each model was analysed carefully to ensure that they are feasible. Drawings produced will be then sent out to the B15 workshop for laser cutting.
Posted 19 May 2022 23:38
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 4 // To B15 Model Making Workshop

Later that day, we went to B15 Model Making Workshop after preparing the 2D drawings and completed our B15 workshop induction.

After discussion with Scott and Angus from B15, unfortunately, we had to postpone our laser cutting process to tomorrow.

Fingers crossed that we can do it tomorrow!
Posted 19 May 2022 23:58
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 4 // Group 1 Design Progress

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 20 May 2022 11:54
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 4 // Group 2 Design Progress

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 20 May 2022 12:35
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Laser Cut
Posted 20 May 2022 12:44
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Laser Cut Test Run

Before all the students could presume with their works, we went for a laser cut test run first thing in the morning to ensure that all the slots and connections could fit perfectly well.
Posted 20 May 2022 15:05
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Fixing fixing fixing

After we had done a test run of the prototypes, each group was required to make a bit of adjustment to the slot/ connection so that it can fit perfectly well.
Posted 23 May 2022 11:08
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Model Making at B15 Workshop

After each group had finalised their AutoCAD drawings, we went straight to the B15 workshop for laser cutting. It took us roughly 3 hours for the laser cut to complete and we assembled right after it was done.

We would like to thank Scott, Paulina and Angus from B15 for helping us out throughout the entire process.

We had so much fun assembling the prototypes :)

Posted 23 May 2022 11:46
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Group 1 Model Making

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 23 May 2022 12:31
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Group 2 Model Making

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 23 May 2022 14:01
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 5 // Model Assembly

A short timelapse showing Group 2 assembling their furniture prototype at the B15 workshop.

Guess how many panels there are.
Posted 23 May 2022 23:51
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 6 // Placemaking Elements
Posted 23 May 2022 23:55
Norzafeera Binti NM
Day 6 // Final Model Touch-up

This morning, we were happy to have Audrey and Harrison from Group 3 joining our activity physically. This morning, Group 3 had to finalise their prototype model in Sketchup and they also went to the B15 workshop to see other groups' current progress.

Before we proceed to the next activity, each group was required to set their prototypes firmly at the B15 workshop. Afterwards, Group 1 and 2 had a photo session with their model.
Posted 24 May 2022 01:28
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 6 // Placemaking Exploration

We had a lot of fun decorating the furniture prototypes using fabric scraps (from the MMU fashion department), MDF board scraps (from the B15 workshop), plastic bottles, cardboard and paper bag. One of the groups even made pillows to make the furniture more comfortable.
Posted 24 May 2022 15:22
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 6 // Group 1 Placemaking Exploration

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 24 May 2022 15:23
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 6 // Group 2 Placemaking Exploration

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 24 May 2022 15:25
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 6 // Group 3 Placemaking Exploration

Design development by Damla Tunc, Harrison Baker and Si Xing Audrey Ma
Posted 24 May 2022 15:26
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 7 // Making Manual Booklet
Posted 24 May 2022 15:30
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 7 // Making Manual Booklet
Posted 25 May 2022 22:52
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 7 // Group 1 Making Manual Booklet

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 26 May 2022 00:07
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 7 // Group 2 Making Manual Booklet

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 26 May 2022 00:07
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 7 // Group 3 Making Manual Booklet

Design development by Damla Tunc, Harrison Baker and Si Xing Audrey Ma
Posted 26 May 2022 00:07
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 8 // Visualisation
Posted 26 May 2022 00:11
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 8 // Visualisation
Posted 26 May 2022 11:01
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 8 // Group 1 Visualisation

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 26 May 2022 11:51
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 8 // Group 2 Visualisation

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 26 May 2022 14:50
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 8 // Group 3 Visualisation

Design development by Damla Tunc, Harrison Baker and Si Xing Audrey Ma
Posted 26 May 2022 14:51
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 9 // Rest Day
Posted 26 May 2022 14:53
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 9 // Rest Day

Our preparation for Friday's presentation is done! After almost two weeks of a packed schedule and hard work, the team takes a day off to decompress.

Today, the fifth years work on printing the visualisations and posters.
Posted 27 May 2022 17:35
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Project Handover
Posted 27 May 2022 20:21
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Presentation!

After two weeks of hard work, the day is finally here! Today, we had a presentation at Station South with our collaborators, Abigail and Mark.

We firstly re-introduced the brief to our collaborator, noting the changes in output and our process for the past two weeks. Afterwards, each group presented their designs. They successfully communicated their ideas with the help of their scaled physical model, instruction manuals and visualisations.
Posted 27 May 2022 20:26
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Group 1 Presentation

Design development by Eva-Madalina Crutan, Gabriela Esguevillas and Sarah Priestley
Posted 27 May 2022 20:29
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Group 2 Presentation

Design development by Cameron Ward, Xingyu (Song) Song and Mia Kavanagh
Posted 27 May 2022 20:30
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Group 3 Presentation

Design development by Damla Tunc, Harrison Baker and Si Xing Audrey Ma
Posted 27 May 2022 20:32
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Feedback and reflections

After the presentation, we had a discourse with Abigail, Mark and our tutor Julie, on the overall process and output.

We discussed on the cost, materials and sustainability aspects of the project. With our collaborator being a community interest company, they had to secure their own funding and depend on volunteers for projects – an aspect that we should have highlighted during the process of designing.

Regarding the two-week event: reflecting on the outputs, if we were able to do things differently, we would have steered the BA students more toward a design that better reflects our collaborator’s nature of work. Cost and in-depth material study exercise would also work as supplementary information to the instruction manual. More aspects of sustainability would also be introduced, not just of the materials, but also in the adaptability and use of seatings.

Nevertheless, Upcycle has been a fruitful experience for both the participants and the collaborators.
Posted 27 May 2022 20:33
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Project handover

Once the presentation and feedback sessions are over, we officially handed over the project to our collaborators.

On a more exciting note, with the help of Abigail and Julie, we managed to display our models and instruction booklets to the public! The items were placed at a windowsill at Station South’s café. We are thrilled that the public could see the ideas; and should there be a discussion in the future regarding the production of the furniture, we hope that these ideas would inspire them in any possible way.
Posted 27 May 2022 20:37
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Thank you!

We would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to our collaborators, especially Abigail for trusting us with the project. We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside our collaborators who are experienced in these kinds of events. Additionally, we would also like to thank Julie, not only for making time to attend our final day of MSAlive, but also for guiding us throughout the whole planning process. Thank you for reassuring us that not all plans are set in stone, thus allowing us to improve.
Posted 27 May 2022 20:39
Norzafeera Binti NM
DAY 10 // Thank you!

Concluding the project, we would like to express our gratitude to the BA students who have committed their time to produce all the required outputs, despite being busy with submissions and exhibition preparations. It was inspiring to see you guys eager to learn and try new things, and we hope that the skill-sharing sessions would help your future studies.

The fifth years are extremely proud of the work and effort you guys have put in, and we hope that you guys are proud of your work too. All of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience of MSAlive, thus we thank you for the exciting two weeks. On another note, don't be a stranger!

Signing off, MSAlive – Upcycle team :-)
Posted 27 May 2022 20:40