Group 35
UNDER THE POET'S TREE

Our project is located at the heart of MMU, in the North West’s first dedicated Poetry Library - a vibrant space led by a passionate team who believe poetry should be enjoyed by everyone. The brief is to design and build a craft station for the library’s nature-inspired children’s corner. The Poet’s Tree will provide an interactive space where children can create zines and poems then display them among the branches. The design will be flexible, visually engaging and include clever storage solutions for art supplies. This hands-on project offers an exploration into furniture design and is an opportunity to build on skills in woodwork, creative problem-solving, model making, Adobe Suite, Sketchup, communication and working collaboratively. Help us bring the poet’s tree to life!

Ada A / Harry D / Kexin S / Qiuyi W / Scarlett H / Yiwen W

Scarlett H
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!
Posted 3 Mar 2025 09:24
Qiuyi W
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.
Posted 3 Mar 2025 22:22
Yiwen W
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!
Posted 4 Mar 2025 00:03
Kexin S
Hello, I’m Kexin Shen, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adaptive Reuse at MSA. I have participated in various research and design projects, gaining extensive experience in software applications and practical operations.

I am passionate about architectural renovation and urban planning projects and am committed to continuous research in these fields. In addition to my studio work, I am also exploring the relationship between smart cities and people. I am proficient in using software such as AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Suite, and Photoshop for my work.
Posted 9 Mar 2025 22:05
Ada A
Hi, I’m Ada! I have been in Manchester for the past 6 years, doing my BA at MSA after moving from Romania! During my 3 years in practice, I worked on large scale residential projects as well as offices and educational architecture all around Manchester.

Now in my first masters year at MSA, I have become passionate about ornament and detail as well as storytelling in architecture. Being in the Continuity atelier has definitely allowed me to expand on these passions! My skills include communication, problem solving and software such as Revit, the Adobe Suite and Enscape. I was also part of the MSSA zine in my undergrad where I developed physical skills such as bookbinding and zine making.

I have already had the opportunity to experience MSA Live as an undergraduate, therefore I am looking forward to help steer this year’s project and create a beautiful solution for engaging children in the Poetry Library at MMU!
Posted 10 Mar 2025 10:20
Harry D
Hi! I’m Harry. After studying architecture at undergraduate level in Nottingham, I worked for a year and a bit in Leeds for GSSArchitecture. There I was able to work with various clients, mostly higher education, and hone my skills on software like Revit and Photoshop. Moving to Manchester to study is a new experience for me, being from the northeast I’d never been to Manchester before, and it’s certainly living up to the expectations!

Studying in the Continuity Atelier in MArch 1, I have developed a great appreciation for the layers of history that architecture can provide in our day to day lives, and the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of our cities. Outside of architecture, I’m a massive Newcastle United fan, howay the lads.

Working with Manchester Poetry library for the design of the children’s corner is going to be a great opportunity to engage with the community, and I’m really excited to see what happens!
Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:31
Scarlett H
The Collaborator

We are very excited to be collaborating with the MMU Poetry Library as part of MSALive 2025! This vibrant and welcoming library is located in the Grosvenor Building, right at the heart of the MMU Campus.

The team includes Becky (Director), Martin (Programme Manager), and Kaye (Education Manager). Being the first poetry library in the North West, they are super passionate about creating a place where everyone can ‘explore and enjoy poetry’.

The library has a lot to offer from a dedicated Manchester collection and multilingual poetry to zines, journals and a children’s corner. They also host a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:51
Scarlett H
29/01/25 | Visiting the Space and Establishing the Output

To kick off our project, we visited the library and met the collaborators. This gave us the opportunity to explore the space and understand what the team are hoping to achieve through MSALive.

Their primary focus is a children’s craft station – a self-guided, flexible workspace with storage for art supplies and space to display the poems and zines created. The design should reflect the nature-inspired theme already present in the children’s corner of the library.

We also explored ideas for a wayfinding tool - a magnetic, low-tech signage system that can help visitors navigate the library. We intend to leave this as a concept design that the library can develop further if they choose.

Sustainability and adaptability were key themes in our discussions and will be central to the design process.
Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:51
Scarlett H
10/02/25 | Workshop 01

Our first team workshop gave us the opportunity to discuss project roles, explore initial concept designs and start planning out the action weeks.

We agreed that the craft station will be our primary focus and the wayfinding tool will be explored further during the action weeks, if time allows.

We started researching precedents of children’s furniture, creative play spaces, and practical storage solutions. A core concept started to take shape: a tree-like structure where children can hang their creations from its branches.
Posted 12 Mar 2025 14:52
Scarlett H
17/03/25 - Finalising Plans for the Action Weeks

In our latest meeting with the collaborator, we planned their involvement during the Action Weeks.

We’ll begin with a team visit to the library, giving everyone an opportunity to meet the collaborators and explore the space. Later in the week, we will host a collaborative design workshop where we will finalise the project concept. To end the MSALive weeks, we’ll host a soft launch, presenting a 'proof of concept' to the library team. This will include:

- A 1:5 scale prototype
- Full set of detail drawings
- Construction manual
- Material schedule
- User manual

This package will give the library everything they need to secure funding and commission a high-quality final piece. It also offers a great chance to gather feedback from visitors before moving ahead with the project.

We can't wait to get started!
Posted 9 May 2025 11:50