MSA Live 25

Hi everyone! I’m Martina, an erasmus student from the Polytechnic University of Milan, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Architecture Design. During the first three years, I developed my skills with modeling softwares, teamwork, and, of course, architectural design.

I am currently attending Atelier Continuity, as cultural heritage has always been fascinating to me.

Apart from that, I’m a huge cinema fan and am always looking forward to engaging in discussions with others to discover more perspectives and opinions.

We will be working with a community centre in Blackpool, where we are designing a merger between the library, café, and the outdoor greenery!

Hello, I’m Atifah!

Atelier: &rchitecture

After completing my undergraduate studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, I worked for a local small-size firm for a year as an assistant architectural designer to gain practical experience in how real-world architecture functions.

I have always enjoyed inclusive design and music, thus the reason I find myself drawn to this LIVE project. Since music is a universal language that goes beyond verbal communication, it can be implemented as an inclusive medium for self-expression by children with different learning abilities, especially in Delamere School. With this collaboration, I am looking forward to how I could thoughtfully design music spaces to provide immersive sensory experiences that support diverse learning needs. So that they too, can enjoy music as much as I do!

Hi, I’m Farah!

Atelier: &rchitecture

I completed my undergraduate studies at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia before gaining hands-on experience in the heart of Singapore, where I worked as an assistant architectural designer.

I was drawn to this LIVE project because I’m intrigued by how the way we design a space can deeply affect its users, especially children with special educational needs. With Delamere School, I’m excited to explore how architecture and sensory experiences can enhance musical learning and interaction.

And honestly, who doesn’t love music? It’s an art form in itself, and being able to design a space that brings that joy to these children means the world to me.

· Hey, I’m Joe
· Atelier: Continuity
· I did my undergrad at Nottingham, and then did my placement year in a small firm also in Notts.
· I chose this LIVE project because of my love of music, and belief that music should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I’m also working on a music-based project for my studio submission – so it felt fitting to align my LIVE choice with this!

Name: Ayaa Muhdar
Course: M.Arch
Atelier: &rchiteture
Skills: Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, Adobe Suite
Personality: ENTJ-A

Hello everyone!

I’m Ayaa from London. I studied my undergraduate at the Bartlett, UCL, and after working for a year, I've started my Master's whilst continuing to work part-time at Populous. I work on large-scale projects across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, primarily within RIBA Stages 0–4. My role involves designing, modelling, and rendering interior spaces, creating visualisations supported by research to communicate concepts to clients.

I’m interested in theoretical narratives, community-focused design, and how architecture shapes perception and emotion. I enjoy digital model-making and rendering as tools to explore and express ideas. I am looking forward to collaborating on the Portland Basin Museum project and learning from each other, and most importantly, making a difference for the community!

Hello, Alya here ~

Atelier: SKN

I completed my undergraduate at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor and worked in practice for almost 2 years at a medium-sized architecture firm in my hometown (Kuching, Sarawak).

I was initially interested in this LIVE project as I had experience teaching music to young children before I started my architectural journey. I guess I can say a hint of nostalgia pulled me into choosing this project, as well as an interest to personally observe how space and music can influence the minds of children with complex needs. Overall, I am beyond excited to explore how my current knowledge in architecture can be used to enhance the musical experience for the precious children of Delamere School.

Hi everyone!

I am Yiwen Wu from China, currently a student of March1 and Infrastructure Space atelier. I studied my undergraduate in Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the University of Liverpool. I have interned at two architectural practices in China during and after my undergraduate studies.

My experience at MSA has helped me to deepen my understanding of architecture. As a student of INFRA, my project is also inspiring me to consider architectural design in a more human, digital and sustainable way.

I am honoured to be involved in the MMU Poetry Library, this is going to be an invaluable learning experience in my life. I am looking forward to working with my group members and creating innovative spaces for children!

Name: Xueying Huang
Course: M.Arch
Atelier: Continuity
Skills: Sketching, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AutoCAD, Enscape, Vray, and SketchUp.
Personality: ISFJ

Hi everyone!

I am Xueying, studying MArch and currently in the Atelier of Continuity. I completed my bachelor's degree in both Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University in China and the University of Liverpool.

I am interested in the infinite possibilities of flexible architectural spaces and how people interact with them. It is my first time doing a Live project, and I'm looking forward to collaborating with you on the Portland Basin Museum project!

Hi, I'm Ceri!

I'm currently a fifth year student on the MA Architecture course, having studied my undergraduate degree at the MSA too, graduating from the PRAXXIS atelier. During the course of my undergraduate degree, I worked at a small firm in North Wales and more recently spent a year at Strzala Architects in Manchester.

As a member of the Flux atelier, I aim to design with people in mind. Through situated practice, my architectural values include amplifying participatory processes to encourage inclusive, sustainable and healthy environments. Through a love for playing instruments and dance, my design ideas often involve performance spaces and theatrical architecture.

I look forward to working with you, the team, and the staff/students at Canon Burrows Primary School to provide the children and the community with an outdoor space that reinforces sustainable theories through fun and playful ways!

Name: Patrick Allan
Course: M.Arch
Atelier: Non-Standard Habitats
Skills: Blender, Modelling/Visualisation, Revit, Enscape, AutoCAD, VR, Animation

Hi, I’m Patrick! I’m from Wolverhampton, I studied my undergraduate in Liverpool, and after graduation worked in Birmingham for a year, and then Manchester for a year before starting my masters at MSA in 2024. In Birmingham I worked on small scale residential schemes, and in Manchester I’ve worked on a wide variety of healthcare projects, from refurbishments to new wards and entire hospitals. I’m a big advocate of digital design and digital efficiency, having helped develop BIM practices and standards across two firms, with lately a specific focus on the BIM approach to healthcare projects, especially considering the technical requirements of New Hospital Programme projects.

I really enjoy digital model making as a medium to not only produce finalised production images, but also as a medium for experimentation and development; I love making animations and alternate styles of visualisations to help illustrate ideas and concepts. I’m looking forward to working with everyone on the Portland Basin Museum Project, and hopefully developing all of our skills together.

Hello, I'm Qiuyi Wang, currently studying Master of Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at MSA in the UK, with an undergraduate degree in Spatial Design in Korea.I specialize in design and rendering using SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop and V-Ray, and have a keen interest in the design and expression of architectural space.

Studying at MSA has exposed me to more diverse design concepts and made me constantly think about how to combine functionality with aesthetics.

Outside of class, I like to explore new places and experience different cultures, and I also love music, which brings me a lot of inspiration for my design.

I am looking forward to interacting and learning with you all, and creating more creative sparksfor the MMU Poetry Library.

Hi, I’m Oscar

I am currently undertaking the Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) within the Continuity Atelier. I hold a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Sydney and have gained valuable professional experience working for an independent architectural practice in China. My academic and professional journey has fostered a deep interest in the relationship between architecture and its cultural and community contexts. I am particularly drawn to the design of compact, poetic structures that balance functional efficiency with expressive construction details. I am eager to bring this perspective to the Canon Burrows School project, contributing to the community through thoughtful, contextually grounded design while collaborating with peers to explore architecture’s role in creating meaningful social impact.

Hello! We are Group 28, we just took a train ride to visit our site, The Grange, in Blackpool. This vibrant community center can be quite busy at times. Mike, one of the staff members, guided us through the building and showed us the beautiful community garden outside, which grows veggie for the ‘Farm to Fork’ café at The Grange.

Our project focuses on renovating part of the community center to enhance the user experience. This includes three main components: integrating the café seating with the library spaces, modifying the restroom facilities, and creating connections with the outdoor areas facing the community garden. We are excited to see some amazing ideas for the design of the communal space where people can chat, relax and enjoy their time.

Hi, I’m Shreya!

I’m currently pursuing my Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) at the Manchester School of Architecture, part of the Flux Atelier. I graduated from CSI Institute of Technology, JNAFAU, India, and have gained hands-on experience as an intern and junior architect at various firms. Passionate about design interventions that empower communities, I aim to create impactful, community-driven projects. I’m excited to collaborate with my teammates, Canon Burrows School, children, and the local community to craft meaningful designs that positively shape the built environment.

We are Group-25, working in collaboration with Canon Burrows Primary School to transform the Valley into a vibrant, safe, and accessible outdoor learning space. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmental education, our goal is to create an interactive space where students can engage with nature, while simultaneously revitalizing an underutilized area to benefit the local community. Each member of our team brings a unique skill set ranging from sustainable design and community engagement to educational planning, contributing to a shared vision of creating a lasting, impactful space for both the school and its wider community.

Hey! I’m Scarlett, I grew up in Northumberland in the UK. After completing my BArch at the University of Nottingham, I spent a year in London working with Howells. There, I was able to broaden my skills and experience through fast-pass, large scale design projects. I’m now studying my MArch at MSA. My skills include collaboration, organisation and experience with AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Suite, Enscape and Revit.

As a student of the SKN Atelier, I’m particularly interested in the use of natural materials in sustainable design and feminist architectural theory. Beyond my studies, I enjoy exploring new places or cooking a good meal!

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside a great team of people to create a thoughtful design for the children’s corner of the MMU Poetry Library!

Hi, I'm Wen
I hold a bachelor's degree in Architecture from Sichuan Agricultural University and have gained several years of work experience at a Beijing-based architectural design firm. Subsequently, I decided to join the MSA Part 2 architectural program, focusing on the intricate relationships among architecture, human emotions and the natural environment.
I am delighted to be involved in the Growing Togetherness CIC project, a group of passionate individuals about nature. What particularly excites me is the vibrancy and charm of their garden, and I look forward to designing a space that more vividly conveys the theme of human interaction with nature. I am also eager to collaborate with students from various grades to create something truly exhilarating.

Hi, I'm Julien!

Discipline: Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

I'm from China. Before coming to MSA, I completed my undergraduate studies in urban planning at Nanjing Tech University and worked in a planning institute for a period of time.

My hometown is surrounded by mountains, so I have always had a sense of affinity with nature. I am looking forward to working with Growing Togetherness CIC to apply my experience in architectural studies to community practice. I'm also excited to work with undergraduate students during the action week, so that we can enjoy the process together.

Hello, I am Jackie!

Atelier: Flux

I graduated from the University of Hong Kong for my undergraduate and worked in practice for a year before pursuing my masters degree in MSA.

Having experiences in multiple participatory design engagements in my personal journey, I am really excited about the MSA live project with Growing Togetherness CIC and the community of Buile Hill Park. I am looking forward to working with our teammates and the community, and I wish we can create something together that benefit the garden and the people!

Hi, Im Frances!

Alelier: Continuity

I competed my undergraduate at Oxford Brookes University and worked in practice for a few years before coming to MSA to do my part 2 in Architecture.

I am really interested in gardeing and growing produce so I am looking forward to working with Growing Togetherness CIC to not only improve their garden space, but also take away some tips for my own. I am also excited to be working with students from all year groups in the action weeks and hopefully come up with something that that Growing Togetherness CIC want to see built.

Anson Ong Kah Kit
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

I am an architecture graduate from Taylor’s University, Malaysia, with two years of practice in Kuala Lumpur before deciding to embark on a new journey with MSA. My approach to architecture is deeply rooted in placemaking and social impact, where I strive to create spaces that foster meaningful connections within the community.

I am particularly excited to be part of the Tameside Council’s Chadwick Dam Park with MSA Live Project, an opportunity to work on a real-world initiative that brings tangible benefits to the community. I strongly believe in the power of teamwork, where maximizing each individual’s strengths leads to the best outcomes. I truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with others, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to achieve a common goal.

My goal is to deliver approachable and impactful designs, ensuring that architecture remains accessible while adding value to the people it serves.

An exploration of the site with our collaborator Hayley. This is the around around with Stamford parkrun takes place, an event that is important to her and the local community? Can our project help open up the course and access to Chadwick Dam to more of the community who live on the Ridge Hill estate?

Hayley has plenty of ideas herself but she is looking forward to our combined knowledge and skills adding value to the project. I am going to try and engage the parkrun community because there is an active volunteer base that we could get involved not only in ideas but maybe in actual work during the activity weeks.

And can we get the entire team to do the run together?

Neila Cuvilliers
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Continuity

I hold a bachelor's degree from the Manchester School of Architecture and have returned for my master's after completing my Part 1 placement, where I worked on both commercial and residential projects, with a particular focus on adaptive reuse. I am passionate about social and sustainable architecture and look forward to expanding my ability to develop design solutions for contemporary challenges.

I am proficient in CAD software, SketchUp, and the Adobe Suite, which enable me to communicate visually and advance project development. Working on the Chadwick Dam Park project presents an excellent opportunity to collaborate with real-world stakeholders and devise meaningful solutions to enhance community health and access to green spaces.

I am excited to collaborate during Action Week—see you there!

PROJECT INTRODUCTION
We aim to complete the CHADWICK DAM project in a way it is both sensitive and accessible . Being a part of Bee Network and home to Stanford park parkrun the site is enhanced by local connectivity and has a clear opportunity to create age friendly spaces which are currently lacking . the area cuurently has a lot of underutilised green spaces and also caters diverse populations. our main areas of concern are enhancing accesiblity, improving green space access ,promoting community engagement and masterplan development through careful planning and community feedback. our strategy makes sure the area is friendly and vibrant public space for everyone. Our strategy makes sure the area is a friendly and vibrant public space for everyone by giving equal weight on accessibility, sustainability, and the space's social and cultural significance.By collaborating with the community, we make sure that Chadwick Dam develops into a place that reflects the needs and goals of its users while also being useful and visually pleasing.
By working together, we will turn Chadwick Dam into an example of pride, identity, and belonging that will serve as a reminder of the influence that collaborative design can have on the future of our shared spaces.

Nehal Jindal
First year , Masters of Architecture
Atelier: Non -Standards Habitat
Originally from Ujjain , Madhya Pradesh, India, I earned my undergraduate degree at Manipal University Jaipur .Before my journey as a masters student to the UK, i spent 6 months as a architecture intern right after graduation at a landscape and commercial project focused firm in Indore. Software skills i developed in the process: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp , photoshop, rendering. i particularly love rendering on photoshop. The reason that motivated me to study architecture is pretty much the same reason that motivates me to live life everyday with excitement and value.
As an architect, my approach is to understand the reason for design, what value add I can do to make the operations smoother and how to make the process and result both beautiful.
The Tameside Council's Chadwick Dam Park project offers a fantastic chance to implement my design principles. With deliberate interventions, I hope to establish a more lively, approachable, and attractive setting that fosters a strong feeling of community. In addition to giving me the opportunity to have a significant influence, this experience will help me better grasp how design can promote social and environmental well-being.

Simon Linford
Second Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Adaptive Reuse

I am the odd one out in this group, not being an architect or designer, but a middle-aged semi-retired property developer with a degree in engineering and an accountancy qualification (obtained many years ago)!

Architecture is a passion though, so I am doing a Masters in Adaptive Reuse (part time) because I develop historic buildings, and churches in particular, and I want to expand my knowledge and understanding. In Manchester my claim to fame would be being the developer behind The Chapel on Upper Brook Street, for Hello Student.

I’ve decided that the best use of my skills on this project is to help manage the process and do the more boring technical bits – I am pretty good at getting things done and have even been known to take my turn 'on the tools' when needed.

Looking forward to it!

Jacob Hodgson
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

After earning my architecture degree from the University of Nottingham in 2023 and completing my Part 1 placement at AJ100 practice Gilling Dod Architects, I am eager to continue my academic journey at MSA. The Master of Architecture program offers an exciting opportunity to further develop my skills, particularly in social impact, sustainable design, and cultural sensitivity—key themes from both my studies and industry experience in healthcare and mental health architecture.

Proficiency in CAD software has been essential in communicating and delivering projects effectively. I am especially excited to engage with Tameside Council’s Chadwick Dam Park project, which aligns with my design values and offers a real-world opportunity to strengthen community connections.

I look forward to collaborating during Action Week to create meaningful impact in reactivating the Chadwick Dam community.