MSA Live 25

March 24th – Team Meeting
Following our site visit, our team met to reflect, share ideas, and begin shaping our proposal for Cannon Burrows. We had productive discussions around the opportunities the site offers and began planning our next steps. With a few key deadlines approaching, we focused on preparing the draft project budget, drafting the ethics approval, and outlining an action plan for the upcoming intensive week. We also worked on creating initial draft for consent forms to be shared with the school. It was a focused and collaborative session, bringing us closer to turning our ideas into a thoughtful and well-organised proposal.

Posted 16 Apr 2025 18:20

March 20th – The Site at Cannon Burrows
Visiting the site at Cannon Burrows for the first time was a fun and energising experience. Exploring the outdoor space brought a new level of understanding and connection to the project. The landscape, especially the valley, is full of untapped potential and possibilities. Meeting the school’s headteacher and the teaching staff hearing their vision for expanding the playground and transforming the space for the community sparked many ideas within our team. Being on-site boosted our enthusiasm and gave us a clearer sense of purpose. It was more than a visit, it was the beginning of a meaningful collaboration with a shared vision for change.

Posted 16 Apr 2025 18:11

Group 17 / MARKET STREET REFRESH

We can’t wait to meet you all! 🎉

Here’s the game plan for our two weeks together as we dive into the MSA Live project soon!

Posted 6 Apr 2025 20:49

Rebecca S

After our final tutorial, excitement is building as Action Week approaches! We can't wait to meet the rest of the team and kick off the design process. With ideas ready and energy high, we're eager to start this exciting project for Droylsden. Stay tuned for updates as we begin our design journey!

Posted 31 Mar 2025 23:10

Mengjie L

Action plan week two

Posted 31 Mar 2025 13:41

Mengjie L

Action plan week one

Posted 31 Mar 2025 13:41

Yanwei L

Hi, I’m Lew.

I am currently pursuing a Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) at the Non-Standard Habitat (NSH) Atelier. I hold a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from Taylor's University, Malaysia, and have gained professional experience working with independent architectural practices in Malaysia and Singapore.

My academic and professional journey has nurtured a strong interest in the intersection of architecture, culture, and community. My design approach emphasises poetic structures, experiential spaces, and materiality. I am eager to apply this perspective to the Canon Burrows School project, contributing thoughtful, contextually responsive designs that enhance the community. I look forward to collaborating with peers to explore architecture’s role in fostering meaningful social impact.

Posted 31 Mar 2025 11:31

Group 26 / THE HULME BLUEPRINT

Ibrahim Z

Meet Lucy – our emotional support superstar! 🐾💖

Lucy may not have a title, but she’s the real MVP of our group! As an emotional support dog, she’s always there with a wagging tail and a warm heart to brighten everyone’s day. Whether it’s a stressful meeting or a tough day, Lucy knows how to make us smile. 😊

Here’s a little glimpse of her in action, bringing comfort and joy wherever she goes. 📸

Posted 30 Mar 2025 22:09

Kunal J

Hello! My name is Kunal, and I am currently pursuing my MArch degree in the Infra atelier. I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Measi Academy of Architecture in 2023, after which I gained valuable professional experience working in the field for a year.

My current focus is an adaptive reuse project, where I'm exploring innovative methods to retain existing structures, transforming them into contemporary, functional spaces. My skill set includes proficiency in software such as Revit, SketchUp, V-Ray, Enscape, and Lumion. I'm also actively expanding my expertise into Rhino and Grasshopper.

Outside of architecture, I enjoy travelling and playing cricket, activities that help me recharge creatively.

I'm excited to connect—feel free to reach out!

Posted 28 Mar 2025 16:48

Second Site Visit -5th March

Posted 26 Mar 2025 22:51

First Site Visit -12th Feb

What an exciting day! After spending four hours in the museum, we still can't say we've fully explored all the rooms and collections! (4.5 million objects!) We were amazed by all the fascinating exhibitions within this building and their incredible educational value, which we would love to continue exploring in our project.

The site visit was our second meeting with Hannah and Wendy, following the December meeting that launched our MSA Live. During our discussions in the room, we learned that the planned room design should be pretty flexible, immersive, and functional.

After the meeting with our collaborators, we went for a coffee at the museum café, where we created our first drafts of the poster promoting the project. With excitement, we thought about the possibilities for the room, which we finally had the chance to see. We can't wait to return during the action weeks, this time with tape measures and even more ideas.

Take a look at the museum's collections here ->
https://museumcollections.manchester.ac.uk/

Posted 26 Mar 2025 20:51

Group 39 / PLASTIC SHED

Pengcheng Y

ACTION PLAN WEEK2
This week we will focus on making more detailed plans based on the design and installation of the solution selected last week, making the solution feasible. These actions will help Plastic Shed better activate this community!

Posted 26 Mar 2025 18:32

Group 39 / PLASTIC SHED

Pengcheng Y

ACTION PLAN: WEEK 1
We have prepared an activity plan for the furniture making activity in May. The picture shown is a simplified version of the plan for the first week, which mainly focuses on members' understanding of the project site and furniture design. Come and see if you are interested and join us!

Posted 26 Mar 2025 18:31

Group 39 / PLASTIC SHED

Pengcheng Y

March 13
SITE VISITVISIT
We met with Caitlin at her new store on this day. She enthusiastically introduced to us the large wall art she had previously made near the store using various discarded plastic bottle and can lids. She also introduced the machines she currently uses to process plastic waste and the success she has achieved with this process. During this visit, we learned more about her space needs (such as the tight storage space she showed us) and the people she contacts and serves on a daily basis. This information will help us better help her plan and design the new space.

Posted 26 Mar 2025 18:30

Group 30 / POSSIBILITY MACHINE

Yufei S

Tyldesley High Street Shopfronts — Reviving Victorian Charm

Posted 26 Mar 2025 11:19

Group 01 / HALF-TIME HUB

Saman S

Site Visit: Exploring the Potential for Transformation

As a group, we recently had the opportunity to visit our project site in Old Trafford, just a short walk away from old Trafford stadium. This location, especially lively on match days, presents both an exciting challenge and a great opportunity for regeneration.

We were met by Ruth, a member of Gorgeous Gorse Hill, who guided us through the site and shared insights into its history and potential. The site itself is an abandoned toilet block that has been out of use for many years. While it currently stands as an overlooked structure, efforts have been made in the past to improve its appearance—most notably through artwork painted onto its exterior. However, with this project, we now have the chance to go beyond surface-level enhancements and completely reimagine its purpose.

Our brief is to transform the space, breathing new life into it and creating something that benefits the local community. Given its prominent location in a high-footfall area, the site holds great potential to become a meaningful and functional space that integrates seamlessly into its surroundings.

This visit allowed us to not only assess the physical condition of the site but also to begin envisioning its possibilities. Seeing it in person helped us understand its context within the urban fabric of Old Trafford and consider how our intervention could contribute to the area’s ongoing regeneration.

With this first step complete, we’re now ready to begin developing ideas that will turn this forgotten space into something truly impactful.

Posted 26 Mar 2025 10:04

Group 01 / HALF-TIME HUB

Saman S

Meet the Collaborator: Gorgeous Gorse Hill

For this project, we’ve had the privilege to collaborate with Gorgeous Gorse Hill, a passionate community group based in Old Trafford, Manchester. Made up of local residents, their mission is simple yet impactful: to make their neighborhood a more beautiful, welcoming, and vibrant place for everyone.

Gorse Hill, home to Manchester United’s football ground and Lancashire County Cricket Club, is a diverse and well-connected suburb. However, like many urban areas, it has its share of underutilised spaces, neglected greenery, and opportunities for community-driven transformation. That’s where Gorgeous Gorse Hill steps in.

Through a combination of gardening, public art, and community events, the group is actively revitalising the area. They transform waste ground, abandoned flower beds, and forgotten verges into thriving green spaces filled with insect-friendly plants, colorful flowers, and even fruit trees. Volunteers from the local community help maintain these spaces, ensuring they remain beautiful all year round.

Art also plays a big role in their work. Collaborating with local artists and schoolchildren, they’ve brought creativity to the streets of Gorse Hill—decorating bollards, roller shutters, and utility boxes with nature-inspired artwork, as well as commissioning large-scale murals that celebrate the area’s identity.

Through their ongoing efforts, Gorgeous Gorse Hill is proving that small, community-led initiatives can have a lasting impact. Their work not only enhances the local environment but also strengthens social connections and civic pride—making Gorse Hill a more engaging and inspiring place to live.

Posted 26 Mar 2025 09:55

Yuqi W

The two-week program revolves around the complete process of designing the project.

The first week focuses on concept exploration and preliminary preparation, including teamwork, brainstorming, prototype testing, and preliminary modeling to lay the foundation for further design.

In the second week, we enter the phase of scheme optimization and results presentation. Through Client DRP review, model improvement, final drawing and publication arrangement, we ensure the final landing and smooth submission of the design scheme.

Posted 25 Mar 2025 21:14

Catch up 6 - Final Meeting with Emily

Our final meeting with Emily was all about tying up loose ends. We made sure to have most things in place — from the ethics and action week plan to the budget — so we could get her feedback on nearly finished drafts. It turned into a really useful Q&A session, giving us the chance to ask any remaining questions and show her what we’ve been working on. The process of collaborating with Emily and bouncing ideas off her really highlighted how effective teamwork and planning can drive a project forward.

Posted 25 Mar 2025 17:34

Today we met up with Luke on Teams to finalise the action week schedule and activities, and it was great to see how excited he was about the project. Balancing our timetable with the school’s commitments was tricky — some days were already busy, so we had to stay flexible without losing structure. The meeting was really productive, helping us strike the right balance and clarify the final outputs Luke is expecting. It’s exciting to see everything coming together!

Posted 25 Mar 2025 17:31

Group 09 / WINDOW INTO LINDOW

March 20th – First Site Visit: Canon Burrows Primary School
Meeting our collaborator on-site for the first time and experiencing the space in person was a valuable and engaging experience for all of us. We explored the entire outdoor area of Cannon Burrows School and engaged in constructive discussions with the school’s headteacher, who shared an inspiring vision for the future. The vision essentially involved suggestions for the expansion of the playground for the children, transforming the valley to make it a safe and engaging environment for the children and the wider community, and exploring new potentials for the school's outdoor space. These were suggestions that stirred a lot of ideas within our team, and we eagerly look forward to implementing them.
This meeting was not just about exchanging ideas but building a collaborative partnership with a shared purpose. We look forward to seeing how these ideas develop! ✨

Posted 25 Mar 2025 14:34

Luke F

- I'm Luke!
- MArch I
- Continuity

I'm particularly interested in cultural and theoretical narratives and how they can enhance and engage with a place. Studying in Continuity has consolidated my interests in contextual architecture, heritage and history.

For my undergrad, I studied at the University of Nottingham, focusing on crafting stories through architecture and deeply linking the building to its users or communities.

After completing my undergrad, I worked for DLG Architects based in Leeds particpating in a mix of large scale commercial and industrial projects. Following this, I worked at HG2 Architects; a small practice located in Harrogate with an eye for contextual detail with a contemporary approach.

I chose this MSA Live project due to the rich history of Lindow Moss and its expansive ecology at risk due to Peat extraction. The collaborators at Groundworks are enthusiastic and are strongly engaged in the project. I look forward to the two weeks in which we'll venture to the site and have fun creating outputs Groundworks can use to increase exposure of Lindow Moss

Posted 25 Mar 2025 11:10

Group 05 / BOWLS TO BLOOMS

Jarrod T

Hi, I’m Jarrod,

My key interests in design concern the role of aesthetics and function with human action and the experience of the individual.

I have stage 5 construction experience, working under Bennetts Associates, where I had responsibilities concerning structure, fire, and interior design.

I look forward to working with the team explore the opportunities afforded for the communities surrounding our presented site.

Posted 24 Mar 2025 13:52

Group 14 / FLOAT

Eleanor VB

Our first Site Visit!

Last month, we travelled as a group to visit the Salthouse Dock in Liverpool, the site for the new floating activity hub. In the morning, we met with the Canal & River Trust team based in Liverpool, who took us on a boat tour around the docks! It was a great opportunity to hear more about all the work they do around the docks; the life underwater that they encourage, and their ambitions for the future. We were also able to see the condition of the existing floating structure which was damaged beyond repair after a storm in early 2024.

In the afternoon, we had the chance to sit down with Donald Insall Associates alongside the Canal & River Trust, who talked us through the work they're currently involved in on the docks, such as the International Slavery Museum and the Canning dock. This was a valuable insight into how the docks are evolving and gave us important context to consider when designing the new floating activity hub.

The site visit was a great team day out, allowing us to get to know the collaborators better and situate the project in its historic surroundings. We look forward to starting design work and, hopefully, another site visit to the Docks in May!

Posted 20 Mar 2025 16:24

Group 14 / FLOAT

Lai Ying L

Introducing our Collaborators!

Thrilled to have Donald Insall Associates on board as consultants for this exciting project at the Salthouse Dock! With over 65 years of pioneering architectural conservation and heritage consultancy, their expertise ensures that historic places not only endure but thrive amid an ever-evolving world. Specializing in conservation architecture, heritage consultancy, and townscape advice, they bring invaluable insight to projects that balance preservation with innovation.

Their recent work on Liverpool’s waterfront includes the upcoming International Slavery Museum and a regeneration scheme at the Canning quaysides and dry docks that features a contemplative space and overall improvements to the public area. As advisors on this project, their guidance will help shape a floating space that respects the dock’s rich heritage while creating new opportunities for community engagement.

Posted 18 Mar 2025 13:43

Group 14 / FLOAT

Lai Ying L

Introducing our Collaborators!

Excited to collaborate with The Canal & River Trust on this upcoming design initiative at the Salthouse Dock! As the charity responsible for caring for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, the Trust plays a vital role in maintaining Liverpool’s docks through daily operations, historic conservation, and major engineering projects. Their work supports boating communities, enhances water quality, and fosters engagement through learning opportunities.

The Trust’s floating stage at the Salthouse Dock has previously hosted a variety of hybrid activities, bringing the local community, students, and visitors closer to the water. From jellyfish spotting to canoeing, paddleboarding, and family days, these initiatives have encouraged a focus on aquatic health and understanding of ecosystems.

By redesigning this space together, the project continues the tradition of connecting people to the water, ensuring the dock remains a thriving asset for the community.

Posted 18 Mar 2025 13:18

Nicole D

Getting Presentation Ready!
Today's team meeting consisted of making a presentation for tomorrow's meeting with the church committee to propose initial ideas for the site and rally some help for building in the intensive week!
We sat down as a team and made a model of the site, added our initial idea for the pagoda and raised planters and created visuals from it.
Let's hope the Monton Community are excited by the project and want to get stuck in!

Posted 17 Mar 2025 11:03

Come Along to Bring Curious Creeks to Life!
We the Curious Creek envisioners are on a journey to turn The Valley into a dynamic, hands-on learning environment—Together, we can make this happen!! If you’re enthusiastic about design, nature, sustainability, or simply enjoy crafting something impactful, we invite you to join us on this thrilling adventure.
Let’s build something unforgettable! Join us and be part of the adventure!

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:29

March 10th – The Poster Day: Bringing It All Together
the first and major deadline! as group 25, All of us, in one room like it was a war room, completely immersed in bringing our vision to life. The energy was electric as ideas sparked, designs evolved, and creativity flowed in full force. Everyone played their part with enthusiasm, taking on tasks with precision and purpose. The room buzzed with collaboration, constructive criticism, and a shared drive to make this the best it could be for about 3-4hours. After intense discussions, last-minute refinements, and a final round of polishing, we hit upload. Our poster was live—a bold, exciting call to action, inviting more people to join us in making Curious Creeks a reality!

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:27

March 4th – Second Tutorial with Emily: Perfecting our Plan of Action
With our initial designs for the posters and plans of action in hand, we met Emily for our second tutorial. It was encouraging and insightful, helping us refine our approach, ensuring our materials truly embodied the spirit of Curious Creeks—bold, inviting, and inspiring. Every revision brought us closer to a message that resonated, a design that captured attention, and a plan that was both exciting and achievable. With each tweak, our execution sharpened, our vision became stronger, and our determination grew.

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:22

March 3rd – Conceptualizing the Poster Design: Spreading the Vision
Moving a step further, Compiling our vision in a page! As a team, we caught up to brainstorming our ideas and refine our concepts for our Curious Creeks poster design. Every voice mattered in this process; each of us pitched concepts, debated designs, and built on one another’s creativity. The goal was clear: to create an eye-catching, engaging poster that would inspire fellow students and volunteers to join us in bringing Curious Creeks to life.

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:21

February 18th – First Tutorial with Emily
With all the concepts and a strong identity we wanted to establish until then, it was time for a reality check. We met Emily for our first tutorial, we shared our concepts, project timeline, and action strategy and received encouragement and constructive criticism, which helped us hone our approach and balance creativity with practicality. this meeting has Equipped our team with clarity and direction, our confidence in bringing Curious Creeks to fruition was stronger than ever. This was another pivotal step toward realizing our vision.

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:17

February 17th – Crafting the Narrative
Following a week of refining our ideas and concepts, we reconvened and brainstormed potential names and ultimately decided on Curious Creeks—a title that perfectly embodied the essence of exploration and education. As a team, we shared fresh, unique viewpoints, sparking a discussion about the identity of the space. focusing mainly on What and how would we distinguish Curious Creeks? By the end of the meeting, we had developed a clear and persuasive vision that would form the foundation for every aspect of the project. With this newly established direction, we were prepared to move forward.

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:16

February 12th – The First Brainstorming Meet Up: Establishing the Foundation
We initiated our journey with an initial internal discussion to delve into the project brief and outline our vision for transforming The Valley. The primary objective was evident: how could we create a space that is safe, engaging, and educational? The session was a whirlwind of creative Ideas, sketches covered the pages, and concepts were excitedly shared. Each suggestion played a role in forming a vision that effortlessly merged adventure with learning, crafting a lively environment that would ignite the imaginations of students and encourage them to explore their surroundings.

Posted 16 Mar 2025 20:04

Group 16 / BRADFORD TAKEOVER

MEETING THE TEAM AND THE COLLABORATOR: 04.12.'24
We began our exciting journey with our first meeting alongside our collaborator from Canon Burrows Primary School at MTC. As we navigated The Valley using Google Maps and the images shared with us, a profound sense of excitement enveloped us—this wasn't merely an overgrown piece of land; it was a hidden gem brimming with unexploited potential! The school team painted an inspiring vision of a safer, more engaging outdoor classroom, which ignited our imaginations. Ideas flowed, possibilities expanded, and with enthusiasm, we set out to revive this forgotten space—transforming it into a vibrant learning environment where nature and education come together.!

Posted 16 Mar 2025 19:58

Gabriel T

Meet Our Collaborator!

Hi everyone, please meet our lovely MSA collaborator for this project, Jade!

"Hi, I’m Jade Ibegbuna, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Bradford Council. I have the pleasure of working with so many incredible cultural and community groups across the district whilst enabling projects (such as this one) to innovatively amplify our Bradford story. I am a proud Bradfordian, passionate about changemaking and I’m also a Clore Fellow 2025: https://bit.ly/43M3vBC

Working as a collaborator on MSA Live is an absolute joy as I get to work with amazingly talented minds and creative energy – the passion, care and imagination that the students show for Bradford shines through and is reflected throughout their designs. Bradford 2025 is the UK ‘City of Culture’ so this year’s MSA Live designs are being created at a pivotal moment in Bradford’s history.

MSA Live is a fantastic programme, fantastic students and a fantastic team – I am very much looking forward to what this year brings."

Posted 15 Mar 2025 13:59

Louise H

The Site Visit
On 5th February, we went to explore our site, which was a garden recently cleared of brambles and overgrowth. Next to the built playground, fenced off around the edges, we could see some possibilities for the site. Tree stumps and brick edging, could this be used in the designs? And of course we have to note the little toys found throughout the land, a little unicorn duck being my personal favourite! The space has so much potential, we're excited to see where this goes.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 16:18

What’s Next for Street and a Half:

After a great discussion with Claire and Christine, we’re excited about the next steps for the project!

We’re now shaping up the schedule for our upcoming action weeks, planning activities that will help us explore, create, and collaborate in meaningful ways. From workshops to hands-on experiments, we’re eager to dive into the creative process and bring our ideas to life.

Most of all, we can’t wait to meet and work together with you - sharing ideas, sparking conversations, and making the most of this incredible opportunity!

Stay tuned for more updates as things take shape.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:51

Daria-Ioana T

Hi, I’m Ioana. I am currently in my first year, studying for the masters of architecture course and I have previously studied for Bachelors in Architecture at MSA.

I am really passionate about the Art Noveau style and organic, nature- based architecture as well as the intersections between architecture and philosophy.

In terms of the project a really interesting element is working with and crafting spaces for children, as well as thinking of different furniture options for the greenery spaces on site and how these can be used creatively throughout of the year.

I hope to bring conceptual thinking to the project and contribute with my digital & physical modelling, drawing and collaging skills. I am really excited and looking forward to the collaboration on this project.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:40

Meet our collaborators!

Claire Weetman is a visual artist in St Helens and one of our key people for the project. Claire has also expressed interest for the one of the tenancies for creative businesses at Street and a Half!

Christine Spriggs is the Kindred Place Lead, and main coordinator for the Street and a Half vision.

Key Partners for Street and a Half are St Helens Borough Council (SHBC), with Anthony Burns as Leader/Councillor; Kindred LLC, with Helen Heap as Deputy Chair of Kindred, and the Liverpool City Region’s social economy network.

Join out team to make the collaborators' dream come true and deliver real, tangible benefits to Street and a Half and the surrounding communities of St Helen!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:38

Hao W

Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Hao. I earned my bachelor's degree in architecture from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology and have worked in architectural design before coming to MSA. It is a great honor for me to join the "Forest School" team and collaborate with you. I am looking forward to meeting new students, exchanging relevant knowledge, and learning from each other. I am excited to meet you!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:33

Yan Hei Ashlie H

Hi! I'm Ashlie! I'm currently doing Master of Architecture, and I'm in the CPU[AI] atelier. What draws me most to architecture is its dynamic nature and the ability to shape experiences through innovative tectonics.

For this project, I’m eager to explore the creative use of natural materials to curate a diverse, nature-focused environment where children can learn and have fun. It would be interesting to test out how we could incorporate immersive and dynamic experiences into our designs.

I hope to bring creative design ideas to the project and apply my skills in modelling and rendering to form a compelling case for our solutions. Looking forward to collaborating with the team and seeing what we could create together!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:23

Jane Jia En T

Hi, I'm Jane Tiew Jia En from Malaysia—you can just call me Jane! I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Architecture as part of CPU Atelier, with a strong interest in the dynamic interplay between tectonics and spatial adaptability.

I'm truly excited about this project as it reimagines how children interact with their surroundings, transforming a simple courtyard into a vibrant, interactive learning space infused with greenery. This approach offers a refreshing alternative to conventional enclosed designs, fostering creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration.

I look forward to bringing our ideas to life through compelling visuals, leveraging my expertise in digital design communication—especially in Photoshop and renderings to create an engaging and immersive representation of our vision!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:19

Chuhan C

Hi, I’m Chuhan Cao, or Cecilia. I hold a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and am currently pursuing an MA in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. My passion lies in architectural renewal and sustainability, particularly the adaptive reuse of traditional buildings. I believe these structures, rich in history and culture, can be revitalized through innovative design, modern technology, and sustainable practices to meet contemporary needs.

In projects, I am particularly inspired by designing spaces that connect with nature and cater to children and animals, fostering learning and play. I enjoy exploring a site’s natural elements and repurposing existing materials to create small installations, which deepens my appreciation for the harmony between design and the environment.

Proficient in digital and physical modeling, I help teams visualize concepts effectively. I excel at generating innovative ideas and translating them into practical solutions, blending creativity with feasibility. I look forward to collaborating on future projects to craft meaningful and engaging spaces.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:05

Louise H

Hi, I’m Lou! I’m studying my Master of Architecture. I’m particular interested in Feminist spaces as well as biophilia in design. The Forest School project is very exciting for me as an outdoor activity instructor and Scout leader, because I love the concept of teaching children to be happy outside and using the life skills that you learn from a young age. I hope to bring my experience of the outdoors to this project, as well as my model making skills for the final output!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:04

Find more about the project here!

You can see the live progress on the brief and the key details, context, partnerships and objectives for Street and a Half from the collaborators! At its core, we as a team want to ensure that the project delivers real, tangible benefits to the St Helens community through SnA.

Access our presentation through the following link, or paste into your browser: https://prezi.com/view/oZ9MRc6jwUdMWZjt6SSR/

Posted 12 Mar 2025 15:03

Scarlett H

10/02/25 | Workshop 01

Our first team workshop gave us the opportunity to discuss project roles, explore initial concept designs and start planning out the action weeks.

We agreed that the craft station will be our primary focus and the wayfinding tool will be explored further during the action weeks, if time allows.

We started researching precedents of children’s furniture, creative play spaces, and practical storage solutions. A core concept started to take shape: a tree-like structure where children can hang their creations from its branches.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:52

Scarlett H

29/01/25 | Visiting the Space and Establishing the Output

To kick off our project, we visited the library and met the collaborators. This gave us the opportunity to explore the space and understand what the team are hoping to achieve through MSALive.

Their primary focus is a children’s craft station – a self-guided, flexible workspace with storage for art supplies and space to display the poems and zines created. The design should reflect the nature-inspired theme already present in the children’s corner of the library.

We also explored ideas for a wayfinding tool - a magnetic, low-tech signage system that can help visitors navigate the library. We intend to leave this as a concept design that the library can develop further if they choose.

Sustainability and adaptability were key themes in our discussions and will be central to the design process.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:51

Scarlett H

The Collaborator

We are very excited to be collaborating with the MMU Poetry Library as part of MSALive 2025! This vibrant and welcoming library is located in the Grosvenor Building, right at the heart of the MMU Campus.

The team includes Becky (Director), Martin (Programme Manager), and Kaye (Education Manager). Being the first poetry library in the North West, they are super passionate about creating a place where everyone can ‘explore and enjoy poetry’.

The library has a lot to offer from a dedicated Manchester collection and multilingual poetry to zines, journals and a children’s corner. They also host a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:51

Harry D

Hi! I’m Harry. After studying architecture at undergraduate level in Nottingham, I worked for a year and a bit in Leeds for GSSArchitecture. There I was able to work with various clients, mostly higher education, and hone my skills on software like Revit and Photoshop. Moving to Manchester to study is a new experience for me, being from the northeast I’d never been to Manchester before, and it’s certainly living up to the expectations!

Studying in the Continuity Atelier in MArch 1, I have developed a great appreciation for the layers of history that architecture can provide in our day to day lives, and the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of our cities. Outside of architecture, I’m a massive Newcastle United fan, howay the lads.

Working with Manchester Poetry library for the design of the children’s corner is going to be a great opportunity to engage with the community, and I’m really excited to see what happens!

Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:31

Hongli Z

First Site Visit

We visited the venue for the first time and kate harrison, service manager at Healthy Me Healthy Communities CIC, joined us for a tour of the current state of the garden. As well as the vegetables planted on the site, and some dilapidated pergola. and learnt in conversation how the previous gardens came to be. What their needs are today. What they most desire the garden to look like and what kind of space they envision that would help them work and be more beneficial to the community. And it gave us some ideas to think about.

Posted 11 Mar 2025 17:30

Hongli Z

First meeting

At the first meeting with our clients at Manchester Technology Center, Amanda, one of our clients, told us about their non-profit organization 'Healthy Me Healthy Communities'. They are dedicated to bringing vibrancy to their community and helping people with housing, and financial and mental health support. The clients then introduced us to the site and their expectations for the design direction.

Posted 11 Mar 2025 17:29

Hongli Z

Partners : Gorton Center

The Gorton Center is a community facility in Manchester operated by Healthy Me Healthy Communities (HMHC). It began as a paint factory and has since been transformed into a hub for food, welfare, training and enterprise.

The space provides health and social services for local residents (many of whom are disabled, live with long-term unhealthy physical and mental health conditions, come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, are older, live in poverty, are refugees or asylum seekers and are LGBTQ). As part of HMHC's mission to reduce health inequalities and promote community engagement. It also organizes events, offers space for rent, and runs community grocers, among other activities.

Their vision is to have a good community garden for growing, learning, and healthy activities, and would have some integration with the historic paint factory.HMHC envisions the garden as an extension of their existing wide range of offerings for the local community and stakeholders.

Posted 11 Mar 2025 17:29

Fancy joining us?

During our 2 action weeks, we will be producing design responses to our collaborator's vision, but we would also like to use this time to help you develop skills you wish to learn. We plan to help you explore skillsets such as producing architecture drawings, visualizations and model-making.

We will use our individual strengths to help you develop your skills, and hopefully in group working, we will learn some skills from you as well!

If anything here sparks your interest, or you have any questions, please do get in touch!

Posted 11 Mar 2025 09:01

Liam P

Name: Liam Powner
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: CPUai
Hi, I Studied my undergraduate Architecture at Salford University before joining AECOM where I still work part time as an Architectural Assistant. This project brief interests me in designing for wellbeing and community engagement with nature spaces

Posted 11 Mar 2025 08:57

2nd Meeting!

Date: 12th February 2025

This meeting was organized to discuss some design ideas we had for the project with our collaborators. We decided to compile some design references and precedent ideas to show the collaborators, as well as draft a visual of our proposed design.

Overall Sally and Beth were excited and quite satisfied with our ideas, only sharing some minor comments about them.

Posted 11 Mar 2025 08:54

Getting to know our collaborator: Beth!

Beth is the school's own professional musician who, in our eyes, totally excels in providing the children quality AND fun musical experience. She leads a variety of musical sessions for the children, such as group jamming sessions, one-to-one music therapy sessions and even leads the school's choir and rock band!

Posted 11 Mar 2025 08:20

Getting to know our collaborator: Sally!

Sally is the Head teacher of Delemere School. Based on our conversations and meetings with her, we can affirm that she is immensely passionate about providing the highest quality of education to all of the school's children regardless of needs or ability.

"Our mission statement is “Together, we Make a Difference …” and we achieve this by creating a personalised curriculum and unique learning journey for every child"

Posted 11 Mar 2025 08:19

First Site Visit!

Date: 29th January 2025

Delamere School is located in Urmston, a town in Trafford with a residential feel. We visited on a Wednesday so that we could observe how the school's musician, Beth, uses the music studio for her classes.

Upon reaching the site, Sally welcomed us and gave a tour of the school. Honestly, it is quite an impressive school! We were very fascinated by the various facilities this school offered (They had climbing walls, a sensory room and even a swimming pool!).

Sally also explained her ideas for the proposed upgraded music studio. Overall, the proposal should ⁠include considerations for students with mobility and sensory impairment. The space should be accessible and not overstimulating. Beth also suggested for creative ideas to store and take out the musical instruments more efficiently.

This site visit was definitely an eye-opener as we got to observe how children with various special needs are cared for, and how space plays a crucial role in their wellbeing and education. After the site visit, the team was even more motivated to do a good job for this project~

Posted 11 Mar 2025 07:48

Group 03 / BRICK BY BRICK

1st MSA Live meetup!

Date: 4th December 2024

This was our initial meeting with the whole team as well as our collaborator Sally, who is the Head Teacher of Delemere School.

Sally briefly explained the school's background and enthusiastically encouraged us to visit the school so that we could observe the learning environment for ourselves.

Sally also mentioned that her vision for this project is to definitely make it a reality in the near future so that the precious children of Delamere School can experience high-quality music education.

We all found that Sally's enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and we are all super excited to work on this project together!

Posted 11 Mar 2025 07:11

Ke Han O

Hi, I'm Ke Han.
I am from Malaysia.
I completed my undergraduate degree at the Manchester School of Architecture and am currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at CPU Atelier.

I am confident in using Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, InDesign, and physical modeling.

My interests include designing with a clear narrative, ensuring that every thought process behind it has a strong justification. Besides that, I enjoy working with both digital and physical mediums, allowing me to experiment with both the real and virtual worlds. Outside of architecture, I also enjoy writing short stories, watching K-dramas, playing badminton and chess, and traveling.

I am excited to work with Brick by Brick and Oswald Road Primary School to see how the younger generation thinks outside the box and expresses their creativity. This opportunity inspires me to share knowledge that might encourage them to explore architecture in the future.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 23:03

Xinhai L

Course:MArch 1
Atelier:Non standard habitats

Hello everyone,

My name is Xinhai Lyu, and I come from Liaoning Province, located in the northeastern part of China. I hold a Master of Architecture degree. During my undergraduate studies, I spent five years learning architectural design. After graduation, I worked as an architect in Shenyang for a year.

I have participated in projects such as the design of a Michelin factory building and the renovation of Shenyang Gongren Village. I have a strong interest in sustainable architecture.

Besides architectural design, I am also passionate about music. I look forward to engaging with everyone and exchanging ideas during MSA Live.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 23:00

Shanon Krist Antony P

Course: MArch 1
Atelier: &Architecture

Hello everyone!

I’m Shanon Pinto, hailing from the coastal city of Mangalore, India. I earned my Bachelor of Architecture degree from Nitte Institute of Architecture, where my passion for design and the built environment flourished, ultimately prompting me to pursue a master’s degree in architecture.

I've had the privilege of working with Studio Subtle Architects in both India and Nepal, where I engaged in a variety of design explorations. My interests focus on sustainable materials, urban interactive spaces, and innovative architectural solutions that improve both functionality and user experience. I’m eager to learn, collaborate, and co-create meaningful designs with all of you!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 21:34

Group 16 / BRADFORD TAKEOVER

Zuzanna S

Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Some Kind of Nature

Hi, I’m Zuzanna :)

I’m from Wejherowo in Northern Poland. For my bachelor’s degree, I studied at the University of Liverpool, where I was a member of the Heritage Related Design Studio.

After graduating, I moved to Winchester, where I worked at Adam Knibb Architects. During my two years in practice, I gained experience in residential architecture, including heritage-based and new build sustainable projects. Currently, I work as an architectural freelancer while focusing on my Part 2 degree.

I’m interested in sustainable building solutions, so for my current SKN project, I’ve been exploring the use of mycelium and hempcrete as building materials. I’m excited to test these materials on-site with our group and the volunteers from the Landing.

When I’m not in front of my laptop working on my project (which rarely happens), I enjoy traveling, practicing yoga, or baking.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 21:25

Ziyang Z

Bradford City of Culture: RISE

Bradford 2025 is the centrepiece event for Bradford as the UK's City of Culture, an event that combines art, culture, history and modern creativity. It not only pays homage to Bradford's history and cultural traditions, but also injects new vitality and unlimited possibilities into the city through its diverse activities and innovative programming.

The opening show “Rise” featured 200-strong cast, including professional performers and the people of Bradford. Dynamo (Steven Frayne, who is Bradford-born), kicked off the event with a mix of magic to celebrate the magic of Bradford, as well as music and aerial stunts. The Dreams I Had,” a theater project honouring playwright Andrea Dunbar, explores the impact of local theater. “Bassline Symphony” A fusion of classical and Bassline House music, showcasing Bradford's unique musical culture. “Bradford Progress” creates a dynamic musical journey through sound and community connection, while ‘Memories of the Future’, choreographed by Akram Khan, combines dancers to showcase the future and cross-cultural exchange.

With "Rise", not only enhance the city's cultural impact, but also promotes economic growth and community integration. Bradford 2025 will be a feast for the eyes and the soul that should not be missed as it reinvigorates the city through historic restoration, artistic innovation, and community engagement, showcasing Bradford's unique cultural landscape to the world.

There is a great half an hour documentary of the event, capturing the background of the initial launch. Please follow the link if you would like to get more context of the event!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026z4c

Posted 10 Mar 2025 21:17

Group 01 / HALF-TIME HUB

Naba Arshad U

Hello reader.
Welcome to the Half-Time Hub, our MSA Live Project! With our amazing collaborators at the Gorgeous Gorse Hill, we aim to give a refreshing transformation to an unused site in old Trafford. The site in focus is a former toilet block, currently sitting idle, with an incredible potential to be transformed into a thriving ‘hub’, which gives the centre stage to the local community.
We want to re-imagine this forgotten space by exploring design strategies through creative placemaking, that prioritize sustainability, social engagement, accessibility and urban renewal. The projects would bring together students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, making it a wholesome process to develop empathic and effective solutions.
Follow our journey as we work closely with our collaborators at the Gorgeous Gorse Hill and develop a vision for an amazing and vibrant neighbourhood.
Stay tunes for updates!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 21:01

Taras M

First site visit...

We met on-site with the collaborator to discuss the project, and conduct a LIDAR survey of the existing building.

Although showing signs of being unoccupied for 15 years, the building is in much better condition than we had initially thought, and the client talked us through their requirements for the renovation. We were also able meet the prospective tenant that will occupy the retail unit upon completion, so there are multiple layers to consider when designing the adaptive reuse scheme.

To the rear of the building is a courtyard and former stable building which are accessible from the street. It is clear that these have lots of potential, and as the collaborator is keen to see ideas for how this space could be converted into an exciting, community-based initiative.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 21:00

Taras M

Part of a wider initiative...

Our project sits within a wider effort to regenerate Tyldesly High Street, which over time has seen low-quality shopfronts and businesses find their way into the conservation area.

Our scheme (highlighted orange) sits centrally amongst a number of sites highlighted by Historic England (blue) as opportunities for projects to restore the high street to its Victorian roots.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:56

Harley F

Meeting the Collaborators

We are collaborating with Tyldesley CIC, an organisation that intends to develop a prosperous and attractive community, retain and promote heritage, and ensure the sustainable future of Tyldesley and its historic buildings within.

Collaborators Website: https://fortyldesley.co.uk/

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:47

Group 17 / MARKET STREET REFRESH

This is the room!
Introduction to our project:

Our project, SenseScape, focuses on children, especially those in their early school years. We are creating the interior of a room in the basement of the Manchester Museum, which is right next to other educational spaces where children's workshops take place regularly. As the basement space is often used by schools, our room aims to not only serve as a place of engagement but also as a space where children can feel safe and supported. The project will bring together sustainability and culture, and the room will have a therapeutic, sensory focus, engaging children's senses of sight, touch, sound, and hearing.

What our Action Weeks will look like?

During the Action Weeks, you can expect an exciting workshop experience! As our project connects with the museum's collections, we can't wait to host a site visit where our collaborators will kindly show us the room and the exhibitions. We are also planning to collaborate with Pinc College, which will give us great insight into designing educational spaces focusing on different sensory needs. We're also thrilled to share that one of our future prospects might include an exhibition of our project outputs right in the room we are designing.
It's going to be an inspiring project with plenty of opportunities for creative exploration!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:40

Nikhil N

Name: Nikhil Nagar
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Non-Standard Habitats (NSH)
Introduction: Hi, I’m Nikhil from India. After completing my bachelor's degree in architecture from Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), I worked as an architectural assistant in Delhi, India. They helped me gain experience in high-rise developments and on-site executions of the work. Personally, I have worked on two or three more projects, which required refurbishment. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in architecture to develop a more profound understanding of design ethics and implications.

I’m overwhelmed to collaborate with Tameside Council in Droylsden and looking forward to working with MSA colleagues to design a better and healthier community with an optimistic future.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:36

Group 09 / WINDOW INTO LINDOW

Taras M

Getting to site...

Tyldesley lies just beyond the outskirts of Greater Manchester.

Conveniently, the V2 bus runs directly from outside Manchester Technology Centre to Tyldesley High Street and takes about 40 minutes.

We can cover the cost of your site visit if you use this method!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:31

Muye W

Hi, I am Muye！
I am currently studying in MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. Before this, I studied the transformation of historic districts and urban villages in Shenzhen University, and I gained one year of practical experience in Chinese historic building restoration in research institute. I really enjoy uncovering the historical stories behind buildings, and I also love hiking and mountain climbing.
I am very excited to be part of the Lindow Moss. This peat bog is rich in history and culture and also serves as a unique space where natural ecology, architecture, and cultural heritage intersect. I look forward to exploring Lindow Moss with you, discovering both enjoyment and inspiration.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:23

Catchup 5 – MSA Live project aims with Emily

After the first few weeks of group work and collaboration, we had developed a set of base images and draft posters for our MSA Live project. We presented them to Emily, who gave us valuable feedback on which design worked best. After considering her input, we agreed on a final poster that reflected the culmination of great teamwork and creative thinking. Emily’s feedback helped us refine the concept and make sure it aligned with the stakeholder’s vision and MSA live brief. We also discussed the next steps, including our plans to get creative with the kids at the school by running fun, hands-on workshops to engage them in the design process. It’s exciting to see the project taking shape!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:20

Catch up 4 - Meeting with Emily

We had our first catchup with Emily to discuss our MSA Live project at Prospect Vale Primary School. We ran through the stakeholder’s vision for creating a more engaging and functional early years learning environment, focusing on both indoor and outdoor spaces. Emily gave us some valuable feedback on our initial ideas, including creating interactive learning zones, sensory-friendly areas, and flexible play spaces. We also discussed how to use the project outputs to help the school secure funding. It was really helpful to get her insight, and we’re feeling confident about the direction we’re heading in!

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:20

Meeting 1 - Meeting the Collaborator:

Near the end of last year, we had the exciting opportunity to meet our enthusiastic stakeholder, Luke, who shared his vision for the project. It was a fantastic chance for us to understand exactly what he had in mind and align our design approach with his goals. We also took the opportunity to present some of our initial ideas, which sparked a really productive discussion. Luke’s passion and clear direction gave us a strong foundation to build on, and it was a great way to kickstart this exciting project that we hope will have a lasting impact on the school’s future.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:19

Catchup 3 - meeting as a group

Before our first meeting with Emily, we got together as a group of master’s students to reflect on the incredible experience of our site visit. It was a great opportunity to share our thoughts and ideas, align our project aims, and discuss the potential impact we could have on the children’s lives. We also used this time to delegate tasks within the group, ensuring that everyone had a fair role and that each member could contribute equally. It was clear that everyone was just as eager and motivated to help in whatever capacity they could. The meeting left us feeling inspired and united in our goal to create a meaningful and lasting change for the kids.

Posted 10 Mar 2025 20:15