Group 06
TOWN HALL UNWRAPPED

Manchester Town Hall closed its doors temporarily in October 2018 to undergo restorations and innovations. This initiative aims not only to preserve the Town Hall's historical and architectural significance but also to increase human engagement within the Town Hall. ‘Town Hall Unwrapped’ focuses on fostering opportunities for volunteering and work placements specifically tailored for the disadvantaged communities of Manchester. The goal of this project is to contribute to the design of a space within the Manchester Town Hall where these groups feel welcome, comfortable, and an integral part of Manchester City. The architectural design proposal will focus on the accessibility and inclusivity of the space while keeping in line with the rest of the Town Hall's architectural and historical essence.

Download Final Report

Kyriaki P / Rifah T / Mahdiar N / Jovan J / Alisha Anil M

Rifah T
Collaborator: Anthony Humphreys
Work: Project Manager at Manchester City Council

Working with employers and resident groups to ensure the people of Manchester get maximum benefit from the growth of the city. Currently project managing the social value delivery on the Our Town Hall refurbishment in Manchester, ensuring that Manchester City Council gain sufficient social value return on investment for the city's residents.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 12:34
Rifah T
Name: Rifah Tasfia
Course: MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

This is my first year in the UK after a rewarding five-year journey in bachelor of Architecture degree back home. I have worked for four months as an architectural intern and had hands-on experience in interior design for residential spaces, refining my skills for creating functional and aesthetic environments.

Interest: Beyond the drafting board, I'm a culinary enthusiast, always eager to experiment with new recipes. I love traveling to new places.

Skills: AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Sketchup, Rhino, Enscape, Lumion
Posted 11 Mar 2024 12:38
Kyriaki P
Name: Kyriaki Piera
Course: Master of Architecture (MArch 1)

This is my first year in Manchester. After completing my Bachelor's degree in Sheffield, I worked for 9 months as a Part 1 architectural assistant in Cyprus. I am interested in expanding my knowledge of sustainable practices within the field, and I particularly enjoy working with natural materials.
Hobby/interest: I love traveling, hiking, and to play the flute
Skills: AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp, Model-Making
Posted 11 Mar 2024 13:33
Mahdiar N
Hello everyone, I'm Mahdiar Nezam, from Iran. I have a Master's degree in Architecture with a specialization in conserving Urban Heritages. For the past decade, my main objective has been to improve the quality of life for local communities through adaptive reuse projects. What makes this project particularly appealing is its focus on actively engaging with audiences and delving into social and cultural dynamics. Choosing to pursue advanced studies at the Manchester School of Architecture in the UK, specifically in 'MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse,' was motivated by the opportunity to immerse myself in such rewarding experiences.

Hobby/interest:
Immersing myself in the beauty of natural and historical landmarks while exploring diverse cultures and indulging in a variety of cuisines is what truly ignites my passion

Skills:
Professional
• Research
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Team Collaboration, Independent Work
Software
• AutoCAD
• Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign
• Architectural Sketch
• Rhino3D and 2D
Posted 11 Mar 2024 13:34
Jovan J
Name: Jovan Jankovic
Course: MArch 1

I am a lifelong citizen of Manchester, and am delighted to take part in the revitalization of the town hall building. Previously I have had one year of professional experience in London. My skills are in producing visuals, and aesthetic design.

Interest: I enjoy making music, playing basketball, and going out to eat. My favourite restaurant is Wagamama.

Skills: AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Sketchup, Rhino, Enscape, Lumion
Posted 11 Mar 2024 14:42
Alisha Anil M
Name- Alisha Menezes
Course- MA Architecture abd Adaptive ReUse


Hello everyone, I'm Alisha Menezes, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. Hailing from the vibrant land of India, I'm currently immersed in pursuing my passion for architecture and adaptive reuse through my MA studies. Creativity runs through my veins, and I'm constantly exploring new ways to blend it with my technical skills. From crafting intricate models to mastering software, I love bringing my visions to life across both traditional and digital platforms.

My journey in architecture and interior design has provided me with invaluable experience, shaping me into the professional I am today. Yet, what truly drives me is the quest for knowledge, particularly in the fascinating realm of adaptive reuse. I'm on a mission to make meaningful contributions in this field, exploring innovative ways to breathe new life into existing spaces.

As I navigate through my coursework, I've also chosen to specialize in Building Information Modeling (BIM), recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of architecture. But beyond the classroom, I'm here to have fun and to dive deep into the intricacies of my field, constantly seeking to broaden my horizons and push the boundaries of what's possible.

So, welcome aboard as I embark on this exciting journey of discovery and growth. I can't wait to see where it takes me, and I'm grateful to have you alongside me for the ride!

Skills - Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Sketchup, Photoshop, Indesign, Autocad, Lumion.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 18:00
Rifah T
Our First Team Meeting:

Our team had first meeting on 5th February, which served as an icebreaker to get to know each other better. During the session, we engaged in lively conversations and shared our individual ideas for designing the required Townhall function on the site. We brainstormed, created rough sketches on paper, and outlined the initial concept for our poster.

As the meeting wrapped up, we assigned specific roles to us and established a general work plan for the upcoming weeks, outlining timelines for each task and identifying weekly deliverables.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 18:34
Rifah T
Site Visit

Our team had the opportunity to visit the project site situated in the bustling city center of Manchester, right at the Manchester Town Hall. The architectural marvel of the town hall captivated our entire group. As we explored the area allocated for our live project, Anthony, along with another member of the city council, guided us through the space. Their insights not only enhanced our understanding of the location but also enriched our experience with a comprehensive tour of the entire town hall. It was truly a remarkable opportunity for us to explore the historic Town Hall and delve into its detailed history.
Posted 11 Mar 2024 18:44
Kyriaki P
Day 1
Introduction & Research

MSA Live has begun! BA1 and BA2 students have now joined us, and we started working on our action weeks plan. We began the day by getting to know each other better and explaining the project's agenda and what we aim to achieve. Later, students have split into two subgroups, each tasked with researching the history and socio-cultural aspects of the Manchester Town Hall.
Posted 8 May 2024 16:36
Rifah T
DAY 02

On Day 2, we had a really productive time! Two groups shared their research on social and community history, and we dove into some great discussions for contextual analysis. We then built on those ideas for our next steps. Some fantastic sketches and diagrams were crafted by the students.
Posted 9 May 2024 10:31
Kyriaki P
Day 3
Adaptive Reuse Development

Thursday morning was dedicated to the significance of Adaptive Reuse architecture projects. The day began with Mahdiar Nezam delivering a presentation on the Haft Paykar Boutique Hotel in Iran, explaining the project's Adaptive Reuse planning process. Following this, Jovan Jankovic shared his MArch 1 final adaptive reuse project, providing a student's perspective on the process. Later in the day, BA1 and BA2 students presented their progress and engaged in working on the strategies they learned from the morning presentations.
Posted 13 May 2024 12:52
Kyriaki P
Day 3
Introduction to SketchUp

In the afternoon, BA1 and BA2 students followed a SketchUp tutorial led by Jovan Jankovic. During this session, students learned the basics of SketchUp and modeled the space required for the project. The final 3D model is essential for the development and final drawings of the project.
Posted 13 May 2024 14:59
Kyriaki P
Day 4
Introduction to LookX AI

BA1 and BA2 students spent the day working on their ideas using AI. The SketchUp model served as a foundation in LookX AI, where students experimented with various prompts, drawing inspiration, and refining their design concepts.
Posted 13 May 2024 15:15
Kyriaki P
Day 5
Physical Models

Today was all about hands-on work with physical models! BA1 and BA2 students delved into exploring their designs by creating models, refining the interior layouts, and experimenting with various furnishings. It was an exciting day filled with creativity and iterative design processes.
Posted 13 May 2024 16:34
Kyriaki P
Day 6
Physical Models

Today, the BA1 and BA2 students continued their work on the physical models started yesterday. Here's a glimpse of one proposal: a gallery showcasing the work of emerging artists from Manchester.
Posted 14 May 2024 16:04
Kyriaki P
Day 7
Design for Final Outputs

The team has been making progress with the development of their final drawings, while the Master students have been working towards the final presentation.
Posted 15 May 2024 16:44
Kyriaki P
Day 8
Design for Final Outputs

Master students are working hard in creating the final booklet!



Posted 17 May 2024 13:43
Kyriaki P
Day 9
Its Breakfast time!

After two hard-working weeks of action, we have organised a big breakfast at MTC to celebrate everyone's hard work and dedication. It was really exciting to meet all the Bachelor students and work on this project together!

Good job eveyone!
Posted 17 May 2024 13:54