Hihi, I am Xilong Shi.

Hello, my name is Xilong Shi.

I am a passionate year-5 Architecture student enrolled in CPU Atelier. In 2021, I successfully obtained my Bachelor's degree, and in 2023, I completed my Part 1 qualification. I have dedicated two years of my career to working in a specialised sports and leisure architecture practice, where I have developed a keen ability to seamlessly merge creativity with functionality. As a globetrotter, I have explored over twenty countries, allowing me to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. This enriching experience fuels my drive to create captivating and culturally-sensitive architectural designs.

On day 1 the team took a trip to Manchester Airports Terminal 2 to visit the site and the collaborator. We spent the morning breaking the ice and getting to know the team, and why they wanted to work on this project. This gave us a good base to start formulating concept ideas.

We embarked on the trip to the airport via train where we met up with Lucy, glass specialist Liam and airport architects where they gave us a tour of the terminal showing us the potential locations which were in the process of construction nearby. We later had a talk where the collaborators introduced themselves and the brief to give the students a good understanding of the project and what the client is looking for.

During our visit to Terminal 2, we captured a memorable group photo with Liam, the glass specialist. Following this delightful moment, we had the pleasure of meeting the collaborator to discuss the project's brief in detail. It was an engaging and productive discussion that set the stage for our collective journey towards creating something remarkable.

On day 2 we gathered together to read the community survey answers and start throwing some ideas around, working together in pairs each group started creating mind maps of initial concept ideas. We then swapped these mind maps with other pairs to build on some of the ideas they found interesting which created a web of detailed sketches that linked to what the community would like to see in the re-introduction of the chandelier.

Later on, we embarked on a trip to St Helens (which saw a derailed train that tried to ruin the trip) to see one of the four chandeliers at the world of glass museum! The experience was great, we were able to see the hanging mechanism and a close up of the glass droplets. We then looked through the interactive museum where we played with interesting glass exhibitions!

The brainstorm map explores different ideas for creating a chandelier. It focuses on themes like nature, social spaces, and visual effects. The map suggests using elements like landscapes, vintage vibes, organic shapes, and dynamic lighting to design the chandelier. Materials like moss, copper, and wood are considered, along with the concept of creating a nostalgic and inviting ambiance. The goal is to make the chandelier evoke a sense of place and encourage interaction and provides innovative and creative ideas for crafting a unique chandelier installation.

This brainstorm map explores designing a chandelier that combines historical and modern elements to represent the timeline of the chandelier and the airport. Key themes include sustainability, using recycled materials, and incorporating northern elements like nature and water. The design aims to be elegant and impactful, creating moments of pause in a busy space. It also considers the diverse audience of an airport, using colors and light to reflect Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter. The project emphasises a blend of heritage and modernity, connecting past and future.

This brainstorm map outlines a chandelier design that serves as a vertical representation of Manchester's changing history. Key concepts include integrating historical and working-class heritage, creating an interactive and engaging design, and using visual effects to convey fluidity and transformation. The chandelier will feature moving parts and adaptable shapes that change based on the viewer's perspective, offering opportunities to display different images and messages. This design aims to connect past, present, and future while being versatile for various spaces and needs.

The brainstorm map delves into the concept of creating a chandelier that seamlessly merges historical and contemporary elements, symbolising the chandelier's timeline and its connection to the airport. Prominent themes explored in the map encompass sustainability, utilisation of recycled materials, and integration of northern aspects such as nature and water.

The central theme of this brainstorm map is with branches extending outwards to explore different aspects. The map serves as a visual representation of a idea, providing a structured framework for exploration and organisation.

Day 9 is the final and last day to work on the Manchester Airport MSA live project where we finally working on the last finishing touches of the submissions. We finished the blogs, publications, booklet and the 3 design options of the chandelier. After winding up with today’s output we celebrated with pizza and wine!

It was an amazing journey of getting a chance to work with Manchester Airport Group and Lazerian studios. We had an amazing opportunity to work with the BA student who came with a fresh breeze of ideas and concepts about the North. We as a team are grateful to be a part of something so endless and chance of touching people with our designs.