Group 23
THRIVE GARDEN

This collaborative project with Droylsden Juniors Football Club proposes a vibrant community garden in Manchester, England, designed as a small green space between the football pitch and a residential area. The garden aims to cultivate vegetables and plants in raised beds to create a self-sufficient ecosystem, while strategically placed planting helps mitigate noise pollution for nearby residents. Beyond its environmental benefits, the space engages volunteers in growing fresh produce and educates children about local history through interactive memory boards. By fostering shared stewardship of the garden, the project strengthens social cohesion, transforming an underutilized site into a hub for sustainable urban living and community connection.

Download Final Report

Eirini T / Joanna S / Kiruthyik Karan K / Kun W / Tianshu H / Wanru L

Eirini T
- Meeting the Clients
Today, our team had the opportunity to meet with the clients of our project, gaining firsthand insight into their needs and vision. It was an enriching experience to connect with them, understand their expectations, and discuss how our work can make a meaningful impact. Their perspectives will be instrumental in shaping our approach moving forward.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 16:38
Eirini T
- Understanding the Project Site & Needs
During our visit, the clients shared their ideas and needs for the project, guiding us through the area designated for the herbal-vegetable garden. We discussed how the space could be designed to encourage local engagement while ensuring sustainability and practicality. Their input has given us a clear direction, and we are excited to begin crafting a design that truly benefits the community.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 16:39
Wanru L
My name is Wanru Li. I am from China and I am 23 years old. I am currently pursuing a full-time Master’s degree in Architecture. In 2022, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in Newcastle. My hobbies are badminton and swimming. My favorite vegetables are crown daisy and bok choy. My favorite motivational quote is: "Do not delight in external gains, nor grieve over personal losses."
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:08
Tianshu H
My name is Tianshu He. I am from China and I am 27 years old. I am currently pursuing a full-time Master’s degree in Architecture. In 2022, I completed my first Master’s degree: MA in Architecture and Urbanism. My hobbies are badminton and swimming. My favorite vegetables are eggplant and tomatoes. My favorite motivational quote is: "Man proposes, God disposes."
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:11
Kun W
Hi!
My name is Kun Wang. I am from China, and I am 22 years old. I am currently studying MA. Architecture and Adaptive reuse at Manchester school of Architecture. I graduated from the University of Liverpool, UK with a degree in BA. Architecture. My hobbies are table tennis and reading, and my favorite vegetables are lettuce and tomatoes. My favorite quote to inspire me is from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: Less is more!
Posted 10 Mar 2025 16:15
Joanna S
Hi!
My name is Joanna Sobska.
I am 28 years old student from Poland. I am currently undertaking part-time Master of Architecture course and last year a was part of Infrastructure Space Atelier. My hobbies are drawing, painting and gardening with my favourite vegetable being a cucumber and leek. My favourite quote that motivates me is ‘If it was bad then it's called an experience but if it was good then it is a memory’.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 18:28
Kiruthyik Karan K
My name is Kiruthyik Karan. I am a 24-year-old student from Chennai, India. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Architecture and am part of the SKN Atelier. My hobbies include watching movies, playing football, and working out, with my favorite vegetable being the mushroom. A quote that is close to my heart is “Architecture is frozen music.”
Posted 10 Mar 2025 19:51
Eirini T
Hi!
My name is Eirini Tsiakka. I am 22 years old and from Limassol, Cyprus. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Architecture and am part of the CPU Atelier. I love spending time with friends, dancing, drawing, and exploring new places. I also believe in the wisdom of Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
Posted 14 May 2025 10:56
Eirini T
BRAINSTORMING & PLANNING SESSION
After meeting with the clients and visiting the site, our team gathered for our first collaborative brainstorming session. We reflected on the insights shared, discussed potential design ideas, and mapped out the next steps for the herbal-vegetable garden. It was an exciting exchange of creativity and strategy, bringing together different perspectives to shape a space that will truly engage and benefit the local community. This session marked the beginning of turning ideas into action!
Posted 14 May 2025 11:08
Eirini T
ACTION PLAN
Following thoughtful reflection and a realistic assessment of our time constraints and the skills within our student team, we formulated a well-structured action plan for the intensive week. This plan outlines clear, manageable tasks that align with our project goals while ensuring that each team member can contribute effectively within our available timeframe.
Posted 14 May 2025 12:35
Eirini T
DAY 1
Group Meet-Up

Our journey began with an energising first meeting, where ideas sparked and connections were made. As we introduced ourselves, explored the project brief, and shared initial thoughts, it became clear that this collaboration would be driven by diverse perspectives, shared goals, and a strong sense of purpose. A promising start to what lies ahead.
Posted 14 May 2025 12:57
Eirini T
DAY 1 - TASK 1 + TASK 2
Proposed Plant Schedule + Collage

The early stages of the project challenged us to think both creatively and practically. Through conceptual collages, we translated abstract ideas into visual representations exploring potential elements, materials, and colour palettes to envision the herbal memorial garden not just as a space, but as a meaningful experience grounded in memory, nature, and community. Alongside this, we conducted research into plant species that could thrive on-site, focusing on herbs and vegetables that are resilient, low-maintenance, and culturally significant. This dual approach helped us shape a vision that is both imaginative and rooted in sustainable reality.
Posted 15 May 2025 11:22
Eirini T
DAY 2
Site Visit

On the second day, we returned to the site to present our collages and share our initial visions for the herbal memorial garden. Each group brought unique interpretations to life through visuals and concepts, sparking enthusiasm from the clients. Their positive response and inability to choose a favourite was a testament to the creativity and thoughtfulness behind each proposal.
Posted 15 May 2025 12:24
Eirini T
DAY 2 - TASK 3
Site Survey

Involved dividing our team into smaller groups to carry out a detailed site analysis. We measured key areas, identified existing tree species, mapped access points, and located utilities such as electricity. By cross-checking our findings with the existing site plans, we discovered discrepancies in dimensions and took the initiative to record more accurate measurements. This hands-on process provided us with a clearer, more reliable foundation for our design development.
Posted 15 May 2025 12:58
Eirini T
DAY 3 - TASK 4 + 5
Precedent Study Analysis + Concept Design

Students were divided into two groups to begin refining and developing their ideas both on paper and directly on site. The goal was to translate initial concepts into more polished, feasible proposals, focusing on layout, spatial relationships, and practical considerations. This stage marks a shift from broad visioning to grounded design thinking, preparing the groundwork for more detailed development in the days to follow.
Posted 15 May 2025 14:13
Eirini T
DAY 4
Final Concept

The two design proposals were compared and assessed collectively, revealing a strong alignment in vision with only minor differences. Both plans aimed to create distinct zones within the site, reinforcing a shared understanding of the project’s core priorities. Building on this consensus, the team collaborated to produce a unified final layout. This masterplan was then divided into three focused areas of study, allowing each zone to be developed in greater detail and subjected to more in-depth analysis in the following stages.
Posted 15 May 2025 14:37
Eirini T
DAY 5 - TASK 6 + TASK 7
Detailed Design + Cost Budget

Continuing in the same groups established earlier, we moved into the detailed design phase, aiming to refine each element of the project with precision and practicality. Groups worked on identifying appropriate materials, construction methods, and spatial arrangements, considering durability, cost, and aesthetic value. After group discussions and votes, the most suitable solutions were selected and compiled to inform the 3D model.

Following this, we transitioned to Task 7, where we collectively developed a cost budget and bill of quantities. This involved estimating material costs, labour, and aligning with the client’s financial parameters and overall project timeline. Every student contributed to this stage, ensuring the costing was grounded in the design work and reflected a feasible, deliverable proposal. This process strengthened our understanding of real-world project management and the practical implications of our design choices.
Posted 16 May 2025 13:25
Eirini T
DAY 6 - TASK 8
Detailed Technical Plans

We’re now working on the detailed 3D model at the same time as putting together the Bill of Quantities. The technical design is really taking shape too, we’re collecting all the key information, spotting potential issues early, and trying to bring together everyone’s ideas to make sure nothing gets missed.
Posted 20 May 2025 12:38
Eirini T
DAY 7


Today has been all about back-and-forth discussions and constant re-evaluation. We’re taking a step back to reanalyse elements that aren’t working as planned, questioning our assumptions, and adjusting the design where needed. It’s a challenging process, but it’s helping us refine our ideas and make the project stronger. We're treating the design as something evolving, shaped by feedback, critical thinking, and the willingness to rethink what doesn’t quite fit.
Posted 20 May 2025 14:34
Eirini T
DAY 7
Final Collage

This final collage brings together all the initial ideas and concepts shared by the group on day one. Using it as a central reference point helped guide our design process, allowing us to stay focused while also visually capturing the project's aesthetic and core ideas in a single image.
Posted 20 May 2025 14:36
Eirini T
DAY 8


We're focused on creating the 3D model, aiming for as much precision as possible. At the same time, the publication is coming together and the blog is being regularly updated. The 3D model-making is taking longer than expected, but that's part of the process we're adapting as we go and still on track to finish everything on time.
Posted 21 May 2025 12:54
Eirini T
DAY 8
Final Layout Plan

Following our group discussion about the challenges we’ve encountered, this is our updated final plan. We've made key adjustments based on what wasn’t working and re-focused the design to ensure it’s both practical and true to our original vision.
Posted 21 May 2025 15:04
Eirini T
DAY 9 - TASK 9 + TASK 10
3D Visuals + Report

Today was primarily dedicated to the finalisation of key visual materials and the refinement of our publication in preparation for tomorrow’s presentation. Significant progress was made on the creation of 3D visuals, which now effectively capture the core design concepts and intended user experience. These graphics will serve as a central component of our visual communication strategy during the presentation.

Simultaneously, the publication was refined to clearly articulate our design rationale, development process, and proposed outcomes, ensuring alignment with both the client’s expectations and our professional standards.

We also initiated contact with the client to confirm the meeting schedule. They responded with enthusiasm and expressed strong anticipation to view the final results of our work. This positive response has further motivated us to ensure that tomorrow’s presentation is not only well-prepared but also engaging and conclusive.

Overall, the day was productive and strategically focused on delivering a high-quality outcome for client review.
Posted 22 May 2025 13:25
Eirini T
DAY 10


Our final day pulling everything together putting the finishing touches on the publication and getting ready to present to the clients. It’s all coming together after days of hard work!
Posted 23 May 2025 11:48
Eirini T
DAY 10
Presentation to the Client

Today marked the end of our journey with the project, and it couldn’t have finished on a better note. We presented our final design to the client, and his response was genuinely encouraging. He not only appreciated our work but told us he could see it becoming a real, tangible project. Even more exciting, he invited us to walk through the space in the future, a gesture that truly meant a lot to all of us.

It was incredibly fulfilling to know that we managed to bring his vision to life, and even more so to make him feel heard and understood through our design. Meeting him and working alongside his ideas has been a privilege; every detail he shared throughout the process contributed meaningfully to the final result. We’re grateful for the experience, the insights, and the connection we formed. It was the perfect conclusion to an inspiring collaboration.
Posted 23 May 2025 15:49