Group 08
FRIENDS OF WATERHOUSE

The Waterhouse Chapels at Ince Cemetery, the first public works of renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse, ceased functioning as chapels in the 1900s. This project focuses on their restoration, potential conversion, and sustainable reuse, breathing new life into these two Grade II listed cemetery chapels. It explores spatio-temporal placemaking strategies to envision future uses for the dilapidated chapels. Collaborating with the Friends of the Waterhouse Chapels, local groups, and schools, participants will engage in model-making, visualisation techniques, and hands-on activities to reimagine these historic spaces while preserving their architectural and cultural significance.

Ariana MJ / Caoimhe S / Emanuil Petrovich S / See EJ / Xinran Z

Ariana MJ
Hi, I'm Ariana, and I'm from Peru. I moved to the UK four years ago to complete my undergraduate degree in architecture at MSA. After graduating, I moved to London, where I worked as a Part 1 architectural assistant and absolutely loved the experience.

After a year in practice, I decided to return to MSA for my master's, choosing CPU as my atelier for this year. It has been an incredible experience, surrounded by inspiring people and an environment that constantly enriches my knowledge.

My passion for architecture began in childhood, as I was always fascinated by construction sites and the development of different projects up close with my family. I’m excited to continue on this path, refining my skills and applying them to future projects around the world.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 15:56
See EJ
Hi, I'm Eu Jin!
I'm currently an MArch 1 student in the CPU Atelier.

I grew up in Malaysia and Singapore, where I completed my Diploma in Architecture at Singapore Polytechnic. I have always been fascinated by the building blocks that shape and influence the ever-changing skylines of the built environment.

My appreciation for craftsmanship has deepened my empathy for human-centric design and spatial experiences. Through my passion for current affairs and my understanding of the social fabric and climate emergency, I aspire to create a lasting impact by enriching communities and societies at large. In my pursuit of advanced parametric design, I aim to enhance sustainability and building system efficiency.

Having worked on hospitality and theatre architectural designs during my industrial placements, I look forward to applying and sharing my knowledge of placemaking with my peers during MSA Live.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 15:59
Emanuil Petrovich S
Hello, my name is Emanuil. 

My journey in architecture began in Denver, CO, where I was captivated by the endless possibilities the field offered.

After earning my Bachelor of Science in Architecture from UC Denver, I embarked on an 18-month journey in Paris. This period was fundamental as I had the privilege to work with two distinguished architecture firms. Each firm had a distinct architectural philosophy. I honed my skills on a broad spectrum of projects, from residential communal dwellings to large sports centre arenas, and everything in between, including refurbishment projects in the heart of Paris, France. 

At MSA, I found myself drawn to the NSH atelier through its unique approach to originating non-standard forums that architecture can inscribe through material exploration, unconventional sites and aspiring future sustainable notions. 

I am eager to share my enthusiasm with fellow students and professionals and embark on exciting projects within the field of architecture.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:00
Xinran Z
Hello! My name is Xinran Zhang, and I come from China.

I completed my undergraduate studies in Interior Design at Macao University of Science and Technology in 2024, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. Although architecture is a relatively new field for me, I am eager to learn and committed to doing my best to improve and grow in this area. I have a deep passion for historical and ancient buildings from different cultures and enjoy exploring their unique architectural details and stories. In addition to architecture, I also love working with my hands and enjoy crafting, as it allows me to express creativity in a tangible way.

I am excited to be here, connecting with like-minded individuals, and I look forward to learning, exchanging ideas, and expanding my knowledge in architecture with all of you.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:01
Caoimhe S
Hi, I’m Caoimhe! (KWEE-VA)

I’m currently a MArch 1 student who is enjoying her time in SKN.
I’m originally from Ireland and moved to the UK to study my BA in Architecture at Liverpool John Moore’s University where I was nominated for the RIBA Bronze Presidents Medal 2022. I worked in London as a Part 1 Assistant for 2 years at Bennetts Associates where I experienced a range or projects from retrofit to highly ambitious BREAAM sustainable credits on new builds.
My passions lie in image creating, form making and interior design. I also have a huge love for the great outdoors. My current intrigues are placemaking, conceptual narrative and sustainable outputs, all which feel perfectly matched to the work we will do on the gorgeous chapels by Alfred Waterhouse.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:05
Caoimhe S
Firstly, some background!

The Ince Cemetery Chapels are a slice of local history right in the heart of Ince. Built in the mid-1800s, these chapels were created by the Ince Burial Board, which was set up after the Burial Act of 1852 to improve burial practices and sanitation in the area. The land for the cemetery was purchased from John Walmesley, part of the Ince Hall Estate, and the site was split according to the town's religious makeup—two-thirds for Protestants and one-third for Catholics and Dissenters. The chapels were designed by the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse, known for his Victorian Gothic style, and completed in 1857. As Ince grew and more churches popped up, the chapels saw less use. Today, the cemetery and chapels are cared for by Wigan Council, standing as a fascinating reminder of the town's history and how it transformed during the industrial revolution.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:46
Ariana MJ
On December 4th, our team met with collaborators from Friends of Waterhouse Chapels, Peter Fleetwood and Nigel Roberts. We began with a brief introduction to the Waterhouse Chapels, outlining potential works, key stakeholders, and National Lottery funding.

We then discussed the project's significance and its potential impact on the community. From these conversations, we developed an initial concept strategy, positioning the chapels as a functional space that celebrates the works of Alfred Waterhouse.

To move forward, we arranged a site visit to further assess the space and explored the possibility of coordinating a meeting with Buttress to support their process and guide the following stages of our development.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 18:29
Xinran Z
On February 5th, we conducted a site visit to assess the current state of the Waterhouse Chapel.

This visit allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the chapel’s condition, architectural details, and any necessary restorations. Through close collaboration with our partners, we gathered valuable insights into both the historical significance and structural requirements of the site. Engaging with the local team provided us with firsthand perspectives on existing challenges and potential areas for enhancement.

These findings will play a crucial role in shaping our next steps, and we look forward to implementing strategic improvements to ensure the successful advancement of the project.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 18:38
See EJ
Our plan for the two weeks working with us includes a variety of exciting activities! We’ll start by welcoming you to the team and providing all the information you’ll need to get started. You'll meet our collaborator, and if all goes well, we may even arrange a site visit. Along the way, we’ll have group tutorials and creative sessions designed to foster collaboration and skill-building. Our goal is to create an engaging and informative environment that closely mirrors a real-world working experience.

In week one, we’ll focus on laying a solid foundation, setting us up to hit the ground running in week two. During this time, we’ll pay special attention to placemaking within a heritage setting and other key aspects of the project. In week two, we’ll dive into refining the final designs, visuals, and presentations to share with our collaborator. To wrap up, we’ll have a presentation and handover to potential collaborating architects, followed by a celebration to mark the success of our time together!
Posted 10 Mar 2025 18:56