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We are excited to kick off our collaboration with the Stockport Borough Council for the redevelopment of the route from Redrock to the Underbanks!

The Site: A route from the comparatively newly built Redrock area to the historic Underbanks zone. The site also consists of three gap sites that have the potential to be reused for the benefit of the area.

The Brief: Provide a revamped wayfinding route so there is an increase in footfall from Redrock to Underbanks. The current route is riddled with issues and doesn't invite the crowd to visit Underbanks. This in turn is affecting the local businesses of the area. There are also three gap sites which are currently left derelict and are in urgent need of a purpose. Overall this project is a combination of urban design and landscape integration.

The Client: On paper the client is Stockport Borough Council but in reality its the small business owners and the users that visit Stockport and are looking to enjoy themselves. This project is for the people as it benefits the members of the community.
Posted 18 Apr 2024 20:12
Meeting after the break!

Hi, It is nice to see you again. There is a blog about our work during the Easter holidays, I'm Keming. We are going to discuss what we should do and prepare before we meet our collaborator, Chris.

As discussed yesterday, we planned to design a flat with three types of rooms. And we also need to prepare the schedule of accomodation.

We can't wait to share our plans with Chris!

I'm happy to show our work! Come on MSA!
Posted 18 Apr 2024 02:15
ACTION PLAN WEEK 1 & 2...
Posted 22 Mar 2024 20:26
We are excited to kick off our collaboration with Emporium M33! Meet our team alongside Scott Lyon (Owner), Claire Hines and Carolyn Jackson (small business owners).

The Site:
Our project centres around Emporium M33, a three-story Victorian building within the town of Sale. This unique space houses a mix of approximately 50 local, independent businesses. From artisan crafters to a café and everything in between, Emporium M33 serves as a shared space for creativity and community in Sale.

The Brief:
Emporium M33, though brimming with character and offerings, often goes unnoticed by the foot traffic of Sale's town centre. Our mission is to change that. As a collective of makers, crafters, and retailers within Emporium M33, we're embarking on a campaign to raise awareness both locally and online. Our aim? To showcase the value, creativity, and uniqueness of Emporium M33, transforming it into a thriving hub that supports local businesses and charities alike.

About the Collaborators:
Joining forces with us are Scott Lyon, the passionate owner of Emporium M33, Claire Hines and Carolyn Jackson, dedicated small business owners within the space. Together with Scott, Claire, and Carolyn, we're excited to reimagine Emporium M33 and strengthen its ties to the Sale community.
Posted 21 Mar 2024 12:35
Posted 20 Mar 2024 16:29
Posted 20 Mar 2024 14:28
Posted 20 Mar 2024 14:27
As a part of exploring the future of 'the library', we are hosting a competition for students between the ages of 8 and 16 to express their thoughts on how they see the future of the library to be. 

Brief:

Reimagine the future of the Levenshume Old Library. Unleash your creativity and envision what libraries of the future might look like. Libraries have always been pillars of knowledge, community, and exploration, and now it's time to dream up their next chapter. Whether it's through art, writing, or innovative ideas, we want to hear your vision for how libraries will evolve to inspire future generations. 

We allow the participants to choose their own medium of expression. 
Posted 19 Mar 2024 23:15
Second Meeting with Lisa @ MTC

28/02/24. Just finished another meeting with Lisa on the latest updates on BAM! In it we debriefed on a range of topics including the portfolios of intervention, poster developments and budget allocation. Lisa was very helpful and helping us coordinate with BBL, a grassroots community initiative and finding ways of collaborating to achieve the best results. We also learned due to the nature of the project there was a need for a risk assessment and filling the appropriate ethics matrices to protect the data the community is entrusting us with.

Posted 19 Mar 2024 23:02
Poster Proposals

20/02/2024: After hearing what the client's requirements were, and what Brinnington needed. We began to brainstorm ideas by creating proposals for the poster. We soon realized that our main focus was all about getting the community engaged through active movement. The proposals were therefore a reflection of this. In our search for a name, we wanted something that was just as “punchy” and thus BAM was born. The 3 proposals showcase various members of society on the move.

Both the MSALive supervisor and the client loved the idea, especially the first option. We were recommended a few graphic tweaks and that the people in the poster reflected the demographics of Brinnington. We took this on board and updated it using data from the National Census.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 23:00
Our first visit to Sabden Church!

It was quite fascinating (and a little scary) to find the church surrounded by a graveyard. Some of the oldest graves here date back to the 1860s.
This graveyard has earned the title for being the second best maintained graveyard.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 20:08
Our first visit to Sabden Church!

Nicholas Church houses a rare and unusual John Laycock organ built in 1879. This 130 year old Laycock Organ was installed at the church in 1890. It was renovated in 1995 and the original patterns were painted back on the pipes. This complicated organ is played every Sunday by an 87-year old woman for their Mass.

The Church has the only village clock tower with a working clock dating back to 1890. This masterpiece, made by J. Smith and Sons has three levers to wind it twice a week to ensure its smooth operation. It chimes every hour & at quarter to the hour.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 20:07
Action Plan Week Two
Posted 19 Mar 2024 18:38
Action Plan Week One
Posted 19 Mar 2024 18:38
Our first visit to Sabden Church!

We were given a spectacularly detailed walk in and around the church by Mr.Colin who is the warden of the church. He has lived in Sabden all his life and knows everything about the church. He was kind enough to answer our questions.

P.S. It was truly an experience to see the old Laycock organ being played by him!
Posted 19 Mar 2024 18:25
Our first visit to Sabden Church!

Also known as the Church of St.Nicholas, it was built in 1841. The Church gained a Grade II listing in 1968. The church also has a graveyard. It houses a rare Laycock organ and a mechanical clock that were installed in 1890. The pews in the church used to be laid out along its entire length but have since been reduced in numbers. It is seen as the focal point for the village and as the church.

1995: Renovated. 

2011: The church faced repairs for a collapsed ceiling, repairs to the steeple and dry rot in the tower. The organ also had to be stripped down and repaired.

2005: The wall to the right as you walk in started subsiding and was reinforced with straps across the ceiling.

2009: English heritage wanted the whole ceiling to come down and be replaced, ply was put over the lath. 12 courses on the steeple were replaced along with the lightning conductor.  

Now: An innovative collaboration places the DEC students at Alder Grange School at the heart of community regeneration through digital twin technologies. Multiple agencies along with Allison (Founder of COYO), Vicki (Tutor at Alder Grange), Ar. Zoe (HPA Architects) and the DEC students wish to return the church to its original glory. We hope to guide these students to conceptualize spaces inside the church as per the community's needs.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 18:20
After the site visit, our team sat down together to brainstorm ideas to ensure our project is aligned to the expectations of the collaborators and to explore the possible proposals. The outcome of the meeting allowed us to come up with a solution which will include a permanent landscape proposal and a temporary one. This team meeting also allowed us to allocate tasks and divide up responsibilities among team members!

We also had meetings with our tutor to make sure our progress timeline is up to date , and to get feedback on our project proposal. This allowed us to fine-tune our proposal and get constructive feedback regarding this project. The team is really happy with our project proposal and we hope to work with you during the action weeks!
Posted 19 Mar 2024 17:47
On the 7th February 2024, our team members had a site visit at Deanery Way North alongside our collaborators, Stockport Council!

The site visit allowed our team to have a better understanding of the current conditions of the site, and provided a wonderful opportunity to assess possible solutions for the project. It was also a fruitful session with the collaborators as we get to exchange diverse perspective and expertise, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insight.

We're grateful for this opportunity to learn from our collaborators and understand the site better, and we can't wait to visit in spring again!
Posted 19 Mar 2024 17:25
First site visit - Meet the Collaborators

The brief encounter during the site visit sparked numerous vital discussions, inquiries, and visions regarding the future direction of Levenshulme Old Library. It became evident how the building inherently possesses a wealth of unspoken potential, nurtured by dedicated, imaginative, and impassioned groups and individuals. Existing tenants and stakeholders have collectively fostered an inclusive and vibrant environment conducive to the arts and the well-being of both Levenshulme residents and visitors alike. Levenshulme Old Library CIO stands poised to leverage this existing richness, allowing the process of refurbishment, remodelling, and potential expansion to commence from a foundation of strength rather than starting from scratch. The project brief for Levenshulme Old Library should thoroughly explore various options and interpretations to enhance its visibility and imbue the Old Library with a revitalized identity.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 17:09
EXHIBITION:

During the MSA Live Action Week in parallel to the outputs that we are producing for our clients, we will be conducting our own personal inquiries into the future of ‘The Library’. Over the 10 days, our reflections will help us produce exhibition pieces as findings, that we will share with the Levenshulme Old Library and the MSA community.

Students will be able to freely explore their ideas in the above outputs, with the support of Masters students and their expertise.
Posted 19 Mar 2024 14:04
Second meeting at Oswald Road Primary School!

We had a lovely conversation with Laura, Helen, and Christian about the activity details that we had finalised. We plan to divide the campus site into 3 parts to let the children design in different ways and stimulate the children's potential as much as possible, which the tutors thought was exciting. Besides, we also talked about the final display and where we could take the exhibition. Some materials and methods were advised as well.

It was a fantastic day with acknowledgement, which also inspired us to make greater efforts.
Posted 18 Mar 2024 22:15
Target User: The University of Manchester

Manchester City Council are exploring introducing a city-wide returnable cup scheme to the city and the wider Greater Manchester area; they have approached the University to see if it would be willing to be part of a trial. The MCC shall take into account any decision made by the University on this programme. The principal users on the UOM campus will be the students, staff and the visitors. The focus of the University is to adopt and support the returnable scheme and financial cost of implementation.
Posted 18 Mar 2024 16:03
Meeting the Collaborators

Laura Deane's contributions regarding the "Levenshulme Old Library" encompass a thorough understanding of its historical significance and architectural features, coupled with a forward-thinking vision for its transformation into a multifunctional community hub. She envisions a dynamic space that seamlessly integrates various activities, emphasizing flexibility, usability, and inclusivity.
To achieve this, Laura proposes reimagining the layout to maximize adaptability, removing barriers, and creating open areas conducive to exhibitions, workspaces, and performances. She advocates for the inclusion of a functional kitchen and additional toilets to accommodate increased foot traffic, ensuring visitor comfort and convenience.

Aesthetically, she envisions a vibrant and colorful environment that fosters energy and creativity, with walls adorned in lively hues to inspire productivity and engagement. Laura's vision reflects a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, blending the building's rich history with new possibilities to create a vibrant space for connection, creation, and celebration.
Furthermore, she acknowledges the community's desire for a dedicated stage or performance area equipped with proper lighting and sound facilities, adaptable to various types of performances, from live music to theatrical productions.
Posted 18 Mar 2024 14:21
We have explored the various green spaces of the park and you can too!
Heaton Mersey Park features a park and bowling green, nature park with an orchard, and the Heaton Mersey Common. Join us as we look to map these different areas of the park and link them together, improving visitor awareness of what the park has to offer and where different areas are located.
Posted 18 Mar 2024 13:51
Name: Olli Sharp

Atelier: Flux

Undergrad: University of Lincoln

Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketch-up, VRay

About: Hi, my name is Olli Sharp and I am a fifth year currently in the Flux atelier. I am interested in the social impacts of architecture and the adaptation of established and historical space for modern use.

I studied for undergrad in Lincoln and had two years out working at a residential practice in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Outside of architecture my hobbies are mainly rowing and music, which I play drums.
Posted 18 Mar 2024 00:51
Meeting 3

Our first meeting ~ 14/03/24

In this meeting, we first summarized the work we have completed, posters and blogs, and then we focused on the follow-up schedule and plans. We listed the things that the project will do, and estimated the deadline for each thing, as well as the possible costs of each thing. To ensure that our project can proceed smoothly. At the same time, we contacted the project leader DAWN and made an appointment for the next meeting.

Our next meeting is next week (19/03/24)
Posted 17 Mar 2024 11:34
Moving forward as a team, we've implemented a strategic division of tasks to ensure a comprehensive scheme while avoiding overwhelming any team members. To maintain organisation, we've used Microsoft Teams, keeping our lines of communication clear. Through regular team meetings, we ensure alignment on our shared vision while allowing individual focus on distinct elements of our project.
Posted 17 Mar 2024 10:09
Meeting at the MTC, our team embarked on a creative journey to conceptualise the perfect poster for MSA Live, aimed at enticing prospective students to join our team. From a brainstorming session to playful doodles on paper, each sketch brought us closer to creating our vision. Our poster serves as a narrative, showcasing the pivotal sites our wayfinding strategy aims to connect. Stay tuned as we are inviting others to embark on this exciting adventure with us!
Posted 17 Mar 2024 10:02
As a team, we organised our upcoming meeting schedules and outlined our project's overarching objectives. Our initial focus was on generating ideas for our poster, aiming to establish a cohesive identity and theme for our wayfinding strategy. Collaborating in the studio, we collectively sketched concepts for our poster design. Additionally, we are devising a communication plan with our external coordinators to ensure our visions will align.
Posted 17 Mar 2024 09:47
Name: Yuchen Gu

Atelier: Adaptive Reuse

Skills: Adobe Creative Suite,Rhino,Enscape,Art

About: Hi,my name is Cobain from Earth and i’m a current student of Adaptive Reuse.I'm very interested in quirky architecture and curious oddities.

I'm very fortunate to have just joined the Trafford Music Service project. I happen to have my own band here in Manchester, where I play rhythm guitar and vocals.I hope to contribute my own experience to this project!
Posted 17 Mar 2024 00:27
Name: Zihan Zhang

Atelier: Adaptive Reuse

Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketch-up, Enscape

About: Hi, my name is Zihan from Beijing, China and i’m a current student of the Adaptive Reuse on the MSA.

I am passionate about the innovative reuse and sustainable design of historic buildings and old building, which is the focus of my studies in my postgraduate programme.
Posted 17 Mar 2024 00:11
Name: Oliver Lambert

Atelier: Continuity

Undergrad: Manchester School of Architecture

Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Sketch-up, Enscape, Lumion

About: Hi, my name is Ollie and i’m a current student of the Continuity atelier on the MArch course. I’m enthusiastic about sustainable design in the modern context which is something I would wish to share with you. That along with an eye for detail are two main drivers of my creative process.

I did my undergrad at Manchester school of architecture in the Continuity atelier so the transition to masters has been easier. I have worked at an award winning practise in Manchester for a year and a half before returning to complete my masters now.

Outside of architecture i’m very into sport playing multiple different ones on a weekly basis.
Posted 17 Mar 2024 00:08
Hi everyone,
I'm Neeladit, but you can call me Neel for short.
I started off my journey in Calcutta, the old British capital of India and then moved to Mumbai, the financial capital of the country. After which my family had the opportunity to move to the USA for a couple of years where I stayed in southwest region, Arizona. Next on the itinerary was back to India where I stayed in Bangalore for probably the longest period of my life till I moved to the beautiful beach town of Manipal for my undergrad.
I've completed my undergrad from Manipal School of Architecture and Planning and worked at a firm for about 2 and half years until I came to Manchester for my Masters in Architecture.
Currently I'm in M.Arch 1 and my atelier is SKN which is very fitting for my love for nature and everything organic but I'm always battling with my design style of crisp, minimal, detail oriented and pure designs versus the organicness of SKN.
Looking forward to MSA Live!
Posted 16 Mar 2024 13:08
Meeting the Collaborators

Richard Hirst has expressed the intention to implement numerous enhancements to the existing space. The current layout presents challenges, especially during periods of heightened activity, as the main space becomes congested and poses security concerns regarding unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, the inconvenience of accessing essential facilities such as toilets and the kitchen, situated within the main space, limits the utilization of the side of the building where they are located. To address these issues, the proposed plan involves relocating the bathrooms and kitchen to a more accessible area by knocking down the wall adjacent to the kitchen. This redesign would create a separate space with independent access, thereby facilitating community engagement. Furthermore, there is a desire to optimize the smaller area of the building for cultural events, particularly theatrical performances, for which a small auditorium with tiered seating may be deemed necessary.
Posted 15 Mar 2024 16:58
Atelier:  SKN

Hiya!

I'm Arun, a creative maverick torn between the worlds of artistry and architecture. Above all, I passionately identify as an artist. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling, I embark on a quest to unveil the narratives woven into every brushstroke and structural line. I reject conventional boundaries, seeking to transcend the limitations of traditional architectural practice. For me, each building, sculpture, and canvas is a platform for human experience and expression. With unyielding dedication, I delve into the hidden stories behind art and architecture. I invite you to join me on a journey where imagination knows no bounds and where every creation holds the promise of a new narrative waiting to be discovered.
Posted 15 Mar 2024 12:39
Finalising the workshop modules

Discussed the final output and how we can go about implementing it. Started with a rough framework for the action plan and moved on to finalising the details of the workshop modules. Also worked on the poster in preparation to launch the blog!
Posted 14 Mar 2024 18:44
Visiting Oswald Road Primary School

We had an exciting site visit with Helen, Christian and Laura. The trip started from Oswald Road, as we took a stroll through Longford Road, Manchester Road and back through Nicolas Road. We saw a lot of beautiful buildings around the campus like the Chorlton Library and the school’s new extension which morphed into the old building. It inspired on ideas about the project and how we can take it further. The visit pushed us to explore different ways in which we can deliver the modules to the children. Overall, an eventful day which brought a fresh perspective to our project.
Posted 14 Mar 2024 18:28
Name: Yu Jiajing
Studio: Architecture adaptive and reuse
Skills: Rhino, Grasshopper, Sketch UP, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, V-ray
Interests: Parametric Architecture, Metaverse, Brutalism
Posted 14 Mar 2024 17:22
First Meeting at MSA

It was a pleasure to meet Helen and Christian from Oswald Primary School, along with Architect Laura during our inaugural MSA Live meet. Helen and Christian provided insights into their fourth-grade students and the school environment. Architect Laura, drawing from her expertise in similar projects, shared examples of her previous work, laying the foundation for our project. We had a great discussion about project ideas and potential outcomes.

We are looking forward to collaborating with them in the upcoming weeks and having lots of fun with the children!
Posted 14 Mar 2024 16:43
Meet our second collaborator, Laura Sanderson!

Laura is an architect, educator and creative who loves people and places. Until around a year ago, Laura was the Deputy Programme Leader of the MArch at MSA and the Atelier Leader of Continuity in Architecture. Since leaving MSA, Laura has worked as a Research Associate with the Women of the Welfare Landscape, took on a Creative Residency at the Museum of Science and Industry and is currently working on the development of a new project with Heritage Schools, as well as being a regular Visiting Tutor at MSA.

Laura loves long walks, huge cups of tea, good books and bad telly!
Posted 14 Mar 2024 14:30
Meet the collaborators from Oswald Road Primary School who are beyond excited to share a few words with us!

“We are the year 4 teachers at Oswald Road who are lucky (and excited) to be involved in the Little Architects project.

Aside from our classes, we each have our different roles within school. Hayley is curriculum lead for phonics, Helen for history and Christian for PE.

Not only do we love planning lessons and teaching the children, but we get on pretty well too - we even have our own card club on a Friday. To date the winning tally is even!”
Posted 14 Mar 2024 12:37

Hey there!
I'm Urvi. Thrilled to be working on a live project at MSA and connecting with the wider Manchester community.
A little about me: I love meeting new people, collecting stories through photography, traveling, and generally - being inspired.
I'm passionate about learning of all kinds and I study architecture to understand more about the world around us.
Over the last few years, I've been involved in exciting initiatives like NY-LON and the National Saturday Club. I've worked in Prague, London, and Manchester and travelled around Europe too. This opportunity to learn with students and the community alike is incredibly exciting for me, and I’m curious to see how this experience will teach me something new. Looking forward to connecting with the students and community.
Posted 14 Mar 2024 11:23
The Powerhouse provides arts, mental health, physical and educational services to hundreds of young people each year.

For this project, we will be enhancing the Powerhouse's performance and sustainability in order to promote its usage and help to keep its services running at the quality the community deserves and at a long-term cost they can manage. We will also be looking at how the internal spaces and layout of the Powerhouse can be improved in order to further improve community life, foster cohesion and empower the youth of Moss Side.
Posted 14 Mar 2024 11:15
Here are some of the design and software skills you will develop and learn over the 2 action weeks!

Apart from teamwork and working collaboratively with each other and the clients, we will focus on SWOT analysis, design development, technical resolution and graphic presentation skills - all which are valuable in both architecture school and in a professional context. We will also be providing different workshops for different softwares in order to support you in creating the outputs that will be presented to the collaborators at the end of the project.
Posted 14 Mar 2024 11:09
Visit to Bradford Site and Day proceedings
21 February 2024

2:30
Arrive again at Council Chamber: Project planning – reflection and next steps!
Discuss proposed interventions, limitations, and possibilities with Jade and exchange ideas.

4:00
End of Day back to base MCR

[Rain stops. Sun is Out]

An eventful day indeed!

Look out for our next posts for further updates!
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:59
Visit to Bradford Site and Day proceedings
21 February 2024,

[Heavy rains and wind are expected to continue]

10:50
Tour 1 Walk through the Heritage Action Zone

11:20
Tour 2 Culture Connection, our site location
Walk along the Great Horton Road, stretching from Odeon Cinema to Bradford University Campus.
We had an insightful conversation with a Bradford University students and staff focus group.

1:20
Lunch at Bradford 2025 office, informal chat with Executive Director Dan Bates

We got *FREE PIZZA* for lunch : P

CHECK OUR NEXT POST for the final update on this day's visit
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:52
Visit to Bradford Site and Day proceedings
21 February 2024,

This is how our day went...

[Rains are expected whole day]
10:00
Arrive at Bradford Interchange – meet Jade

10:15
Arrive at City Hall, where we collect our Visitor badges and proceed to the Council Chamber – Rachel Firth + Len Palmer (Bradford Council City of Culture,2025)

10:20
We have an introductory session to Heritage Action Zone by –
Saira Alia, Richard Middleton and Phil Hargreaves (Bradford Council City of Culture,2025)

CHECK OUR NEXT POST for further Updates on this day's visit
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:47
Walk around Heaton Mersey Park's dog sculpture trail!
HMVCG have placed a trail of dog sculptures around the park to encourage visitors to move around the various areas of the park. Dog walkers often use the green spaces of the park and these sculptures are representative of them. We as a team have explored this trail and you can too! Join us as we look to map the dog sculptures and different areas of the park to improve navigation of the park and make people more aware of everything the park has to offer.
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:47
Our Collaborator, Jade Ibeguna
21 February 2024
Jade is part of Bradford Council's Culture Department. She is our primary source of contact in Bradford and has been helping build the project's framework thus far. Jade will also allow us to communicate with stakeholders in the Bradford redevelopments and other important people involved.

As seen standing in the middle of the group photo in the Council Chamber room, Bradford City Hall.


Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:39
TEAM MEET ups!
30 January 2024,
We had our first team meeting, followed by a catch-up meeting online with our collaborator, Jade.

A quick meeting to get to know each other, a brainstorming session about ideas and objectives and a brief system of work were put forth.
Team Meetings every Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00
Jake led our meetings. Organising our action plan early was vital, as was setting out tasks, deadlines, and checkpoints to ensure the project stayed on track.
Every Meeting had a summary outline to be followed for the next. A banter between Jake and Oliver was a must. :P
Meanwhile, a date for a site visit to Bradford was organised.
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:31

Intro. to MSA LIVE*
6th December 2023,
Our first meeting and introduction of 2 LIVE projects for
Bradford 2025

Introduction to our live project:
Culture Connection: To re-design a main side street of Great Horton Road that links the city centre to the university. This street could be re-imagined as one where the stunning architecture from the city centre mixes with an explosion of culture, colour, and excitement that leads you from the city centre up to Bradford University. The ‘Cultural Connection’ design must reflect Bradford's diverse student population and cultural heritage and support the day/night economy.
Location:
Great Horton Road, Bradford
[From the point of Odeon Cinema to the University of Bradford campus]
Posted 13 Mar 2024 14:27
Our first site visit to Chadwick Dam!

13/12/23 – Our team collectively attended the site for a full walk around with representatives of the council, talking us through the history of the site and showing us what the project needs

Discussions included previous works, community awareness and how to make the park for everyone. Hayley, who we introduced In our previous blog post, has been so cooperative and keen to get started with this project and as we formulate and configure this plan for site, we find ourselves equally sharing the same growing passion! We have a bunch of activities planned and cannot wait to start them with you all!

We hope you join us to fully explore what is possible with the natural green landscape of Chadwick Dam and those that use it.
Posted 13 Mar 2024 13:36
Hey there! I'm Kiran,

I am in my first year of MArch course at MSA. Originally from Derby, I completed my undergrad at the University of Lincoln before embarking on a new experience in London for two years of industry experience.

When I'm not sketching and immersed in the world of design, you'll catch me on hiking trails or finding my zen on the yoga mat.

I am excited to start this collaborative Live project!



Posted 13 Mar 2024 09:41
Hi ! I'm Hiba

I grew up in the UAE where I have completed my BArch at the American University of Sharjah. I also gained my experience at an international consultancy in Dubai where I worked as an architect on large scale architecture & urban design projects across the Middle East and Africa.

Now at MSA, I'm part of the CPU atelier, a place that allows me to use my interest for software, explore adaptive reuse futures, and learn more about sustainable design. Besides architecture, I enjoy hobbies like swimming, hiking, playing piano and knitting.

I'm excited to be working on the Underbanks project at Stockport, and I look forward to bringing new life to the area through innovative design.
Posted 13 Mar 2024 01:30
Hey there, I'm Wei Jie!

Originally hailing from Malaysia, I embarked on my academic journey at Bristol University, earning my degree before diving into the professional realm back home and in Singapore. For a while now, I've been honing my craft in various architectural settings, soaking up experiences along the way. Currently, I'm thrilled to be part of the MArch 1 Infra team, eagerly awaiting our next project.

Looking ahead, I'm pumped to meet everyone and dive into this exciting community-based project together!
Posted 12 Mar 2024 21:49
Hello!
My name is Christiana Koumi. I'm Greek-Albanian and I'm currently studying MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. Prior to coming to Manchester for my second master's, I studied in Albania and Florence, Italy. After graduation, I was involved in the university as an assistant tutor while also participating in several architectural projects.
I have always been interested in history and heritage and have had an active role in several workshops about 'integrated digital surveys' and restoration of historical sites. That’s why this project is quite exciting because it is about history, architecture, and community, which makes this project really meaningful.
I am a very organized person, I love coffee and good food. Outside of architecture, I like to travel to explore new places and take photos. I can speak 5 foreign languages, one more reason why I enjoy traveling and getting to know new cultures and learning as many foreign languages as possible.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 20:36
Hi! I’m Kyungho. You can also call me Peter.

I’m from Korea. Before starting my master’s course at the Manchester School of Architecture, I achieved my bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture at University of Seoul. I worked as an assistant researcher at University of Seoul Institute of Urban Science during my master’s course in Korea.

I am currently studying MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. I'm interested in giving new opportunities to abandoned or neglected buildings through reuse strategies, providing people with new experiences. Such reuse is also an architectural challenge crucial in addressing the climate crisis we face today.

Our group's project aims to revitalize the long-standing theater, Hulme Hippodrome, through our fresh imagination!
Posted 12 Mar 2024 19:44
Hello, everyone! My name is Quanze Ma, you can call me Mars.

I am from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. Before coming to Manchester School of Architecture to do my Master's programme, I completed my Bachelor's degree at Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, and my undergraduate major is City and rural Planning.

I think Xi'an is very similar to Manchester in that both have a long history and have left behind a lot of ancient buildings. These ancient buildings need to be preserved and continue their life, and I have a keen interest in this. That's why I chose to specialise in Architectural Adaptive Reuse.

Our MSA live group project also focuses on the restoration of an old building with the aim of revitalising the historic Hulme Hippodrome Theatre.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 17:46
Hi, I am Winston Leung.

I am a British-born Chinese CPU March 1 student, I have a year of experience working predominantly in residential work, with a handful of experience in varying software. Ranging from AutoCAD, Sketchup, Revit, and Adobe software and now learning Rhino and Grasshopper.

I have a strong interest in technology and wish to integrate technology with architecture regarding the design process and the design output. Currently, I am trying to process this line of thinking to enhance outputs. This will be no different for this current project output, where I will bring these technology skills.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 17:44
Hi, I am Ya-han Chang.

I am from Taiwan. I had several year of experiences in both architectural studio and construction company, now I am a postgraduate student of Architecture Adaptive Reuse program at MSA.

My main architectural practice are mainly focus on 2D/ 3D modelling, including AutoCAD, Sketchup, Rhino and Revit. In addition to that, I'm good at Photoshop, InDesign as well. Beyond architecture, I like to travel, hiking and film watching! One of the benefits of studying in Architecture adaptive reuse is getting more opportunities to see historical buildings, discovering their historical value and potential new functions for the future.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 17:41
Hi!
I’m Kane, a part-time student from Manchester currently in my 2nd year of the MArch course here at MSA. I completed my undergraduate studies in Sheffield before moving back home to Manchester to find industry experience. Since then, I have been working at Millson Group, a small practice specialising in Architectural Design, Development and Planning Services based in Manchester. Working in a small team taking on a vast array of tasks across numerous projects has given me a great insight into the role of an Architect and has allowed me to stay active in the professional environment whilst studying at MSA.
Aside from Architecture I’m usually running, in the gym or playing football.

I’m really looking forward to getting going on this exciting project!
Posted 12 Mar 2024 17:11
Hi there, I'm Jason !

My academic path started with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Huddersfield, followed by nearly two years of immersive work experience at ALNBM Architects. There, my focus was primarily on residential development projects and mid-scale refurbishment and reuse projects.

Outside of my professional life, I'm passionate about exploration, photography, and playing badminton. Currently, I'm embarking on an exciting project to explore and understand Stockport better. I'm eager to see where this new adventure leads us!
Posted 12 Mar 2024 16:57
1:20 Site Model

To help with the design process and understand how the space can be used, we've created a simple 1:20 model using measurements taken from our site visit earlier in the year.

As part of the action weeks, this model, along with its digital twin, will be used to iteratively test the multifunctional furniture we create before scaling up to a 1:1 prototype.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 15:59
Hello!
I'm Fariba Sadeghi Far, from Iran. I'm thrilled to be studying MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at Manchester Metropolitan University. This course really excites me because it allows me to merge historical elements with modern design, which I find fascinating.
My journey in architecture started at Bojnurd University in Iran, where I graduated in Architectural Engineering. But my interests aren’t confined to architecture alone; I also love drawing, making sculptures, and singing. These artistic pursuits enrich my understanding and appreciation of design, adding depth to my architectural work.
Being part of LOL, I bring my passion for architecture's technical and creative sides. My diverse skills and interests help us explore innovative and adaptable design solutions, contributing to our team's dynamic and forward-thinking approach to architecture and adaptive reuse.
Posted 12 Mar 2024 14:29
Name: Pranali Pawar
Atelier: CPU (ai)
About me: Originally from India. I completed my undergraduate degree from India and practiced for 2years before joining MSA.
I thrive on the intersection of creativity and sustainability in the realm of architecture. My passion lies in crafting spaces that not only captivate the eye but also embody a commitment to environmental consciousness.
As an avid enthusiast of sustainable building design, I find joy in unraveling the innovative possibilities that arise when harmonizing modern aesthetics with eco-friendly principles.

Apart from architecture, I’ve always loved spending my time indulging in Sketching and music.

Undergrad study: BNCA, PUNE INDIA

Skills: InDesign, Illustrator, Sketchup, Rhino, Enscape
Posted 12 Mar 2024 12:00
I'm Min Jing from Malaysia, and I'm part of the SKN atelier. I'm interested in sustainable architecture and public architecture. My main software skills include Revit, Adobe Suite, Enscape, and AutoCAD. Beyond architecture, I enjoy traveling, orchestral music, water sports, and photography. I'm looking forward to collaborating on exciting designs!
Posted 12 Mar 2024 11:31
Name: Mariam Pinto-Rodriguez
Atelier: FLUX
About me: Originally from Gibraltar, I am interested in urban design and how architecture can respond to personal and societal change. Outside of architecture, I enjoy being creative in the kitchen and painting.
Undergrad study: University of Kent
Skill: Sketchup, Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate
Posted 12 Mar 2024 00:17
Hello! I am Shalom.

I was born and raised in India. I earned my bachelor's degree at the Manipal School of Architecture and Planning and then practised as a junior architect for two years, predominantly working on bespoke residential projects.

I'm an MArch student currently in atelier SKN. I am very passionate about nature and community-based projects. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of eco-friendly technologies and methods. The Nelson Viaduct is a fantastic opportunity for me to explore my interests, and I look forward to contributing to this amazing project.

Apart from architecture, I enjoy immersing myself in books, sketching, discovering new music, playing the violin and indulging in occasional gaming sessions.

I am looking forward to collaborating with everyone! Let's have a great time and learn along the way!
Posted 11 Mar 2024 22:52
Hey there, I'm Oleh, from the CPU[Ai] atelier. My background in two different areas - a BA in Architecture and a BSc in Maths & Physics - has shaped my interest in generative design and parametricism. I also enjoy drone flying and a bit of programming (anything tech-related, really), as well as photography, which has proven quite helpful for my architectural projects. Rhino+Grasshopper and Revit are my trusty companions, but I'm always keen to learn new software.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 22:14
Explore Heaton Mersey Park!
Our collaborators provided us with a full tour of the park. We discussed how various areas can be better linked and how we can build on the existing events hosted in the park to further improve community interaction. The activities currently provided aim to tackle issues such as loneliness and anti-social behavior.
Join our group to explore everything Heaton Mersey Park has to offer and sketch your ideas for how to promote the park and generate new ideas to improve community interaction.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:49
Site Measuring.
We have visited the site to conduct our initial measuring of the existing pavilion structures. Join our team to gain further experience in site measuring and gathering information from existing structures. This data will be used to produce our design concepts during the action weeks, using various CAD tools and rendering software.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:29
I’m Adriana and I’m from Sofia, Bulgaria. I’m currently in the Some Kind of Nature (SKN) Atelier.

My main architectural interests are Holistic architecture, Community-oriented Urbanism and Sustainability in architecture. My current topics of exploration are the way in which the built environment and people’s way of life affect each other and non-human-centered architecture.

I’m interested in drawing and painting, other art techniques like digital drawing and hand printing, photography, graphic design, physical model making, film, fashion, nature.

My main skills are hand drawing, digital drawing, Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Sketchup, physical model making.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:23
Name: Zhengping Xia
- Hometown, Country : Hangzhou, China
- Atelier : Flux
- Interests in architecture : Parametric design, techtonic, Urban design
- General interests : Football, Travel, Photograph, Pool, Food
- Skills : Sketch Up, Rhino, Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Lumion,
Vray, Stable diffusion
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:08
Process prensentation!

Hi, this is a presentation of our work during these two weeks, I'm Keming. We didn't hold a meeting during this period and just focus on our own work which was assigned to everyone last meeting.

Luckily we almost finish our digital model and poster! Next, We will run:
Physical model making workshop
Lumion/Vray workshop
Rhino/Sketchup Workshop
AutoCAD workshop (producing a set of planning drawings)
And the event of public engagement at the church

I'm happy to show our work! Come on MSA!
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:07
Action Week: Preparation

After laying the groundwork with our Action Plan, we've now embarked on crafting the essential components for Action Plan week in May!

We're excited to share a sneak peek into our progress: a digital model showcasing the remarkable three-quarter turn staircase element at Carlton Club.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 21:03
Action Planning for May

Across the two weeks in May, we plan to coordinate members into two key groups: a Design Team and a Research Team. Whether a particular team approach takes your fancy or you want to develop new skills alongside us, the creation of teams provides a structure to fall back against for the upcoming weeks and a focus on achieving main goals.

In Week 1 the whole group will visit Crewe to undertake some important activities regarding site visits or community engagement. We will revisit the site at the end of Week 2 for the final exhibition of our proposal to the public!

Posted 11 Mar 2024 20:56
BIN LI

Pronouns: He/he

Major: MA ARCHITECTURE AND
ADAPTIVE REUSE

Dissertation: "Multidimensional Perspectives on Temporary Architecture:

Exploring the Social, Political, and Economic Impacts of temporary architecture through the Case Study of Mobile cabin hospital"

Hello, I come from Henan Province, China. The North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power is my undergraduate college. I like traveling and photography.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 20:52
Second Site Visit

On the 6th of March 2024, Peter and Osian from the group traveled to Stockport for the second time.
They met with the collaborators at the Stockport MDC office to discuss the progress so far and potential outputs for the project. The priority of the meeting was to discuss the project name “ELEV8 STOCKPORT” and to get feedback on the proposed site uses.
The final output of the project was also discussed and visuals with a physical model were chosen.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 20:43
First Site Visit!

On the 29th of January 2024, we met on-site with our collaborator Laura Green from the Stockport MDC.
Laura introduced the group to the town of Stockport and the Stockport 8 development, highlighting key sites and their cultural identity.
After the introductory talk, Laura took the group around Stockport to the three key sites in the Stockport 8 brief and we discussed potential uses for the three spaces which are:
The Arches: Transform the viaduct railway arches into a vibrant cultural hub. Each arch can house a different cultural expression, such as art galleries, small theatres, and music studios. The space between the arches can be utilized for open-air performances.
Office Block: Convert the two-story office block into a co-working and innovation centre. The upper floors can house collaborative workspaces for startups and entrepreneurs, fostering creativity and innovation. The ground floor can be transformed into a technology showcase and interactive exhibition space. This mixed-use concept will attract professionals, tech enthusiasts, and businesses looking for collaborative opportunities.

Warehouse (Formerly Garage Door): Reimagine the warehouse as an indoor marketplace and food hall. The interior can host a mix of local stalls of independent businesses, showcasing handmade crafts, unique goods, and locally produced food items. The outdoor space can be transformed into a vibrant community garden and seating area, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. This project will celebrate the creativity of Stockport's local community.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 20:42
Name: Charlize Kam

BA Course: BA (Hons) Architecture, Kingston School of Art

Atelier: &rchitecture

Interests: Travel, cooking, sleep & photography

Skills: Model Making, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, Revit, Enscape, Lumion, AutoCAD,
Posted 11 Mar 2024 20:41