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.

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.

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.

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.

Group meeting - Preparations for the action week

During the group meeting to prepare for the action week, the analysis phase involves examining various aspects to inform your planning and decision-making. This includes reviewing how previous action weeks have gone, understanding what worked well and what didn't, assessing the skills and resources available within the team, and considering any external factors that could influence your plans. By thoroughly analyzing these elements, we could better understand the starting point and make informed decisions on how to approach the upcoming action week effectively.

Day 1 - Meeting the Group & Site Visit

Meeting with the group of students nearby the site involving a dynamic approach to learning, integrating exploration, analysis, and discussion.
Begin with a brief introduction, welcoming the students and providing an overview of the agenda for the day. Explain the significance of the area and the building they will be visiting, setting the context for their exploration. Lead the group on a walking tour of the area surrounding the site, pointing out notable landmarks, historical features, and architectural elements. Encourage students to observe and take note of their surroundings, fostering an appreciation for the context in which the building exists.

After lunch we went to class where we got to know the project better and analyzed all the information about the building. We also get to know each other better by doing some ice-breaking activities, sketching each other. Then we prepare for the next day's tasks.

Day 2 - Redesigning Concepts Ideas

The students were engaged in a hands-on exercise in reimagining the library space. Analysing it from different perspectives can lead to creative solutions and fresh ideas for its transformation. They come up with particularly interesting and innovative suggestions.

Redesigning Concepts Ideas

Redesigning Concepts Ideas

This collage shows how the Levenshume Old Library has been repurposed, resulting in a vibrant community hub nestled in a peaceful residential neighbourhood. It highlights the wide range of activities that occur in this one location; there have been efforts to create a network, by building the New Arcadia Library, ensuring that Levenshume still has this amenity available.

Day 4 - Analysis of the Internal Space

On the fourth day of their active week, the students engaged in a focused effort to adapt the internal spaces of the old library. The interior space was carefully divided into three distinct areas, each identified for improvement based on feedback from one of the collaborators involved in the project.
To express their ideas and opinions effectively, the students utilized sketches and zoning techniques. Through these visual aids, they were able to articulate their vision for transforming the interior spaces of the library.

Day 5 - Develop the Concepts and Proposals

Today, the students delved deeper into analysing the interior layout of the old library through collages. Among the collaborators outputs emerged a proposal to transform a section of the building into a theater, dedicated for children attending theater classes to showcase their performances.

Day 5 - Develop the Concepts and Proposals

BA1 and BA2 students working in groups with the help of Master students to develop their ideas on the concepts of how the spaces of the old library will be transformed to suit the needs of the community.

Day 5 - Develop the Concepts and Proposals

Concept Idea of one of the BA2 students (Anishka) on how one of the spaces of the old library can be adapted to be converted into a theater space for the children of the community

Day 6 - Develop the Concepts and Proposals

Day 6 - Develop the Concepts and Proposals

Today, the team focused on refining their proposals. Both BA1 and BA2 students collaborated to interpret their ideas, sketches, and collages using various 2D and 3D software tools, with guidance from master students.

Day 7 - Final Exhibition Proposals.

During today's day the students worked on their proposals for the exhibition, on the different alterations that the old library space can undergo and some furniture ideas that can be used to reevaluate the space.
Eliott (BA2) produced an illustration exploring a temporary structure for the 'theatre' space. While Naia (BA1) did some alterations in the plan of the old library.