Group 25
CURIOUS CREEK

Curious Creek is a project that transforms The Valley, currently an overgrown, overlooked and a neglected space beside Canon Burrows Primary School, into a lively outdoor learning hub. This initiative combines education, ecology, and community, creating a space where children can step outside the classroom and explore nature in exciting ways. Our initiative seeks to integrate organized pathways, designated seating areas, and engaging learning environments that foster curiosity and promote interaction with the surroundings. By involving students from the school, we strive to cultivate a sense of pride, ownership, and responsibility, transforming the area into a lively space for future. Beyond the school, the valley will be a community hub, bringing volunteers, teachers, and neighbourhood organizations together to learn and develop. Curious Creeks is not just a cleanup, but a wake-up call, encouraging creativity, discovery, and love for nature. As Group 25, we are committed to transforming overlooked spaces to effectively link education, ecology, and community engagement. We invite students, educators, and local volunteers to join us in bringing "Curious Creek" to life.

Ceri M / Jarrod T / Shreya D / Tianyu Z / Yanwei L / Yun L

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.

Posted 3 Mar 2025 15:16

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.

Posted 3 Mar 2025 15:24

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.

Posted 3 Mar 2025 18:55

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!

Posted 3 Mar 2025 22:54

Hi, I’m Yun!

I am currently studying MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at MSA. Right here, I am learning how to make old buildings active again.

I did my undergraduate in China, which was Space Design within Environmental Design. My research focus was on the integration of traditional culture and technology into modern architectures. I had an internship at an interior design firm. And after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I held a position as an assistant planner in a planning institute.

I am delighted to be part of the Canon Burrows School project, and look forward to bringing a sustainable activity space to the kids and local community.

Posted 4 Mar 2025 23:05

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 25th - Meeting with Emily
In our last meeting with Emily, we had a constructive discussion covering key aspects of our project. We spoke in detail about the ethics application, budget planning, action plan for the intensive week, and the consent forms for the school. We also shared updates and ideas about the site and proposal, receiving helpful and thoughtful feedback. Emily’s inputs were insightful and encouraged us to refine our approach. The meeting helped us clarify our next steps and strengthen the overall direction of the project moving forward.

Posted 16 Apr 2025 18:33

May 9th – Team Meeting
Our team came together with great energy and enthusiasm to kick-start preparations for the intensive week! We brainstormed ideas, discussed strategies, delegated responsibilities, and started mapping out an exciting and impactful plan to set the tone for a dynamic and productive week ahead!

Posted 14 May 2025 11:43

12th May - Day 1 – Intensive Week
The day kicked off with excitement and curiosity as we met new faces and introduced ourselves to one another. We delved into the project brief and began an engaging discussion around our shared goals and initial ideas. To break the ice and spark some creativity, we took part in a lively ‘Digital Monster-Making’ session — and it was an absolute hit! The room was filled with laughter as we shared our quirky and imaginative monsters, instantly building a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.
By the end of the day, we divided into smaller groups and started having individual discussions about the project, exchanging thoughts and exploring possibilities. The momentum was strong, and we wrapped up feeling inspired and ready for what’s to come!

Posted 14 May 2025 11:49

13th May - Day 2 – Intensive Week:
We hit the ground running as ideas began to take shape! With sketchs, we started visualising our thoughts and translating our discussions into rough concepts. As we sketched, we shared and exchanged feedback, allowing our ideas to evolve organically through conversation. It was a dynamic and collaborative process that helped us refine our direction and build a stronger foundation for the project.

Posted 14 May 2025 11:56

14th May - Day 3 – Intensive Week:
We combined our ideas and started developing the project with respect to the site context and building analysis. Using different visual tools like sketches and diagrams, we began to shape our design direction. We also took part in an inter-group review, where we received constructive feedback and gained new insights to refine our approach.

Posted 15 May 2025 15:45

15th May - Day 4 – Intensive Week:
We gathered at Geoffrey Manton 3.31, full of energy and ready to push the project further. While some of us focused on refining the layout and tying ideas together, the creek team worked simultaneously in the MTC Lab, developing key visuals and models. It felt like everything was finally falling into place—each step brought us closer to a more solid and exciting outcome!

Posted 19 May 2025 10:42

16th May - Day 5 – Intensive Week:
This Friday, we kept things a bit more laid-back. We got together in the first half of the day to catch up, share thoughts, and continue our discussions. It was a lighter session, but still productive as we wrapped up the week with clarity on our next steps and a stronger sense of direction moving forward.

Posted 20 May 2025 12:45

19th May – Day 6 – Intensive Week:
It was a fantastic start to Week 2! We began the day by gathering at Geoffrey Manton to go over the key points we needed to observe during our much-anticipated site visit to the school. Excitement filled the room as the entire team geared up to finally experience the site we had been exploring on paper.

As we travelled together, we shared stories, laughed, and bonded more as a group—making the experience not just insightful, but also personally memorable. The site visit, long awaited, was absolutely worth it. Meeting with collaborators on-site gave us valuable insights and a richer understanding of the space, helping us move forward with more clarity and confidence in our design direction.

Posted 20 May 2025 13:06

Site visit with team 25:
The site visit, though slightly delayed, proved to be a crucial turning point for the project. Experiencing the site firsthand sparked a wave of new ideas and allowed us to better connect our concepts to the real context. Our discussions with the collaborators were especially insightful—they helped us understand their expectations more clearly and encouraged us to think deeper about our design approach. The visit added direction, focus, and renewed energy to our process moving forward.

Posted 20 May 2025 16:10

20th May – Day 7 – Intensive Week:
Day 7 turned out to be one of the most productive days so far. With more clarity and insights gained from the site, our ideas began turning into action. As the submission deadline drew closer, the pressure was definitely building but so was the energy in the studio. Everyone focused on bringing together their work, refining concepts and drawings, and pushing the project forward. The atmosphere was filled with determination and collaboration, as we worked to finish what we had planned and deliver our best.

Posted 20 May 2025 16:19

21st May – Day 8 – Intensive Week:
It was a fun yet highly productive day as we approached the final deadline. The studio buzzed with focus and excitement, and despite the pressure, everyone worked with energy and enthusiasm. There was a real sense of progress and teamwork in the air. Happy faces all around showed that we were getting through it—tired, but proud of how far we’d come.

Posted 23 May 2025 15:29

22nd May – Day 9 – Intensive Week:
Today marked the final push before submission. As planned, we dedicated the day to post-production, fine-tuning visuals, polishing layouts, and perfecting all the final details. The atmosphere was intense yet focused, with everyone giving their best to bring everything together seamlessly. As the day wrapped up, we bid farewell to our team with warm smiles, shared gratitude, and treated each other to pizza and sweets, a small celebration of how far we had come. It was a day filled with both accomplishment and anticipation for the final submission ahead.

Posted 23 May 2025 15:37

23rd May – Day 10 – Intensive Week:
The final submission day! After weeks of effort, collaboration, and creative energy, we proudly wrapped up our work and submitted the project. It was a moment of immense satisfaction, seeing everything come together and cross the finish line.

Today, it was just the five of us, the same team we started this journey with. Ending it together felt like coming full circle. The day was calm and focused, spent ticking off checklists, doing the final touches, and soaking in the quiet sense of accomplishment. A fitting end to an intense, collaborative journey that brought out the best in all of us.

Posted 23 May 2025 17:17

The Journey
Ten days of action, powered by six months of planning.

This journey has been one of discovery, collaboration, creativity, and growth. From the first spark of an idea to the final submission, every moment shaped not just our project—but our bond as a team.

We’ve faced challenges, shared laughs, and poured our hearts into something we truly believe in. As this chapter closes, we take with us memories we’ll cherish, lessons we’ve learned, and friendships we’ve built.

Here’s to the process, the people, and the passion that brought it all to life.

Posted 23 May 2025 19:27

It’s been an incredible journey collaborating with Canon Burrows Primary School to transform the Valley into a vibrant, safe, and accessible outdoor learning space. Fueled by our shared passion for sustainability and environmental education, we’ve worked together to breathe new life into this underutilised area, creating an interactive environment where students can connect with nature and the wider community can benefit.

Each member of Group-25 brought their unique skills from sustainable design to community engagement and educational planning, building a shared vision that we hope will leave a lasting, positive impact for years to come.

Thank you for following our journey. Here’s to many more projects that make a difference!

Signing off, Team Group-25 of 2025!

Posted 23 May 2025 19:30