Group 32
UPSTAIRS @ 3B

In-Situ is a socially engaged arts organisation in Pendle, Lancashire, dedicated to integrating art into everyday life. As part of the Nelson Town Deal, its initiative This is Nelson brings together artists, local groups, and residents to explore identity, heritage, and the town’s future through creative collaboration. A key project within this is the ‘It’s Nelson Innit’ (TIN) youth group, which, alongside RESOLVE Collective, transformed the disused upstairs floor of an old Methodist church into a multifunctional space at 3B-Systems. Designed as a safe and inclusive hub, it features hanging installations, seating areas, and spots for music and relaxation, with ongoing development to support the wider community.

Anisha Ann Varghese AAV / Finley H / Hoi Fai Y / Jonathan Marcus Jia Qian L / Samah O

Samah O
Hey, I’m Samah!

I did my part 1 at Coventry University before joining practice for a year and studying at MSA.

I worked on retrofitting council housing and community engagement in social housing. My Sudanese heritage has deeply influenced my passion for community-driven design, as I believe that sharing memories and stories is vital to human connection.
Upstairs @ 3-B presents an exciting opportunity to engage with Nelson’s community and contribute to meaningful change. I’m excited to be part of this journey and explore new ways to create impact through design!

Beyond architecture, I am interested in fashion and styling, nail art, lifting and hiking. 
Posted 9 Mar 2025 16:54
Hoi Fai Y
Hello, my name’s Johnson,

I'm originally from Hong Kong. In addition to my academic interests, I also enjoy an active lifestyle, with a particular fondness for sports and music. I joined MSA In the Fall of 2024, prior to pursuing my graduate studies, I gained valuable professional experience working on interior design and housing projects back in Hong Kong. 

I'm passionate about leveraging design to create environments that enrich the lives of the people who inhabit them. I'm excited to apply this ethos to the work we'll be undertaking with This is Nelson, and to contribute my skills, knowledge, and diverse perspectives to the team. I'm greatly looking forward to working together with all of you!  
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:47
Finley H
Hey, my name’s Finley!

Before starting my master’s, I spent two years at a small London practice, working on projects from homes to bakeries to auditoriums, gaining experience from concept to construction.

I believe architecture should be engaging, tangible, and human-focused, with community and sustainability at its core.

I’m excited to be working on Upstairs @3B, creating meaningful spaces and bringing positive change to the local community. Looking forward to it!
Posted 9 Mar 2025 19:50
Samah O
Hi! My name’s Jonathan,

I’m from Malaysia. I joined the MSA in Fall 2024 under their Postgraduate Program and before that, I was working on interior design projects that include Drafting, 3D-Modelling, as well as renders and visualisations in Malaysia and Singapore. 

I chose to work with This is Nelson because I believe in community engagement and outreach to strengthen the identity of a place, and Nelson has a lot of potential for great opportunities for people. I look forward to working with you all on this exciting project! 
Posted 9 Mar 2025 20:41
Anisha Ann Varghese AAV
Hello, I’m Anisha!

I’m currently pursuing the Architecture and Adaptive Reuse program at MSA. I completed my Bachelor of Architecture in India and then worked on Interior Architecture projects in the Middle East.  
 
I chose this project because of its focus on community-centric design. Having lived in three countries, I have a deep appreciation for different cultures, and I think it is important to design inclusive spaces that reflect the needs of the community.  
 
I enjoy exploring new places and café-hopping!
Posted 9 Mar 2025 20:54
Samah O
In-Situ is a socially engaged arts organisation based in Pendle, Lancashire. Established in 2011, it focuses on integrating art into everyday life, working closely with local communities to create projects that respond to place, people, and social issues. In-Situ aims to empower communities and foster meaningful cultural change through long-term collaboration.

This is Nelson is one of In-Situ’s key initiatives, delivered as part of the Nelson Town Deal. It is a community-led arts and culture programme designed to reimagine Nelson through creativity and collaboration. The project brings together artists, local groups, and residents to explore themes of identity, heritage, and the town’s future. Through events, workshops, and co-created spaces, This is Nelson seeks to empower the community, celebrate diversity, and create lasting social impact.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 21:02
Finley H
On 25/02/25, we took an exciting first trip to Nelson and the 3B Systems space with our collaborator Michael. With our notebooks, cameras, and plenty of ideas, we explored the town, toured the site, and got a strong sense of its potentials and limitations.

A big focus was on designing engaging spaces for the local youth group while respecting the existing church building. We sketched, took photos, and recorded our thoughts, bouncing around ideas on how to make the space more dynamic, welcoming, and flexible.

By the end of the visit, we left with tons of inspiration, a clearer vision, and plenty of excitement! We can’t wait to bring it to life!
Posted 10 Mar 2025 00:36