Group 38
CORE COMMUNITY ENERGY PROJECT

Do you want to make a real impact through architecture and design? Join us in collaboration with CORE (Community Owned Renewable Energy) to explore the future of community-led renewable energy in Manchester! This project focuses on three areas in Manchester affected by fuel poverty, including Victoria Baths—a Grade II* listed Edwardian-era heritage site. We will develop renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar PV, wind power, and small-scale hydro, while also sup porting the installation of air-source heat pumps at Victoria Baths to sustain year-round community activities. WHAT YOU WILL GAIN? 1. Hands-on experience working with Manchester Climate Alliance and city planning teams 2. Community engagement skills and expertise in sustain able architecture & landscape design 3. Participation in feasibility studies for renewable energy solutions with real-world impact 4.The opportunity to create design proposals, posters, and campaign materials to promote community energy projects

Alexia Teodora B / Lisa H / Yap ZH / Yiyang W / Yiyu L

Yiyang W
On 10/02/25, We took an exciting first trip to the Victoria Baths in the north of Manchester with our clients.
Victoria Baths is Grade II* listed and widely recognised as Britain’s finest historic swimming pool. First opened in 1906, the Baths has played an important part in the health and well-being of local people and is now a very popular heritage, events and community venue.

When the Baths closed in 1993, the local community campaigned vigorously to try to prevent the closure. The Friends of Victoria Baths set up the Victoria Baths Trust, a charity which aims to repair and maintain the building in order to bring it fully back into public use.

Since then significant restoration has taken place and the building now has over 30,000 visitors a year enjoying a wide range of activities including exhibitions, festivals and weddings. There is still a lot of work to be done and the Trust remains determined to bring the amazing building back to its full potential.

We will focus on the current community value of historical heritage and try to utilize and revitalize it in a sustainable and green way. We will also explore the possibility of using historical buildings to provide community energy.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 01:22
Yap ZH
On Monday, 17th February 2025, we had our first virtual meeting in the evening. This meeting was essential to align our thoughts and gain a better understanding of our stakeholder, Mike’s aims for Victoria Baths.

We discussed the site conditions observed during our visit and proposed potential strategies and ideas for Victoria Baths. Additionally, we allocated tasks to each group member and planned another site visit, along with a digital workshop for our new team members. This will ensure that everyone is proficient with the same software, facilitating smoother coordination.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 08:22
Alexia Teodora B
On the 28th of January, we had our second meeting with Mike and Allie to discuss our initial ideas for involving the community in more active events at Victoria Baths.

In addition, we have also discussed the upcoming engagement workshops that the clients will be organizing. These workshops are going to be a key part of shaping the future direction of the project, and we can’t wait to see how they’ll help foster even more community involvement.

It has been an inspiring process, and we're really starting to see how these events can bring people together in meaningful ways.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 08:52
Yap ZH
Hey there, I’m Zhi!

Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Some Kind of Nature

I’m from Malaysia and grew up in a multiracial background, so picking up languages comes pretty easily to me, one of my little superpowers!

I graduated from the University of Sheffield and have been working in interior design, focusing on commercial spaces like workspaces, retail, and hospitality. I’m pretty handy when it comes to joinery and technical details, and you’ll usually find me deep in Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, or SketchUp, bringing designs to life.

I chose Manchester Climate Alliance because I’m interested in eco-strategies and how they can work within local building laws, especially for listed buildings. Plus, renewable energy fascinates me, and I’d love to explore how these ideas can shape future projects, whether in my second year or even further down the line.

When I’m not geeking out over architecture and design, you’ll probably find me hiking up a hill, going for a run, or whipping up some delicious Asian food. My speciality? Chicken Satay is guaranteed to make anyone smile!
Posted 10 Mar 2025 10:22
Yiyang W
Hi there, I’m Roy！

Course: MArch 1
Atelier:Some kind of Nature

I am from China and completed my undergraduate RIBA I studies at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. I have worked at Daniel Stisen Studio in Shanghai and Cocoon Studio in Suzhou. In my practice, I focus on the adaptive reuse and renovation of old buildings, as well as the research and exploration of the locality of architectural culture.

I chose to join the Manchester Climate Alliance because I believe that the climate is critical to the future of each and every one of us. Creating environmentally friendly design solutions that also bring value and meaning to each member of the surrounding community is as important as architecture's role in creating better spaces. Spaces that not only bring about positive change for humans, but also for the other species that share this planet.

I am also very interested in the morphology and structure of buildings. For more information about me,welcome visit my Instagram account: Roy.Wang7
Posted 10 Mar 2025 15:02
Alexia Teodora B
Hey there, I’m Alexia!

Course: MArch 1
Atelier: CPU

I’m from Romania, but I have been living in Manchester for the past 5 years. I have done my undergraduate at MSA and decided to do my postgraduate course here as well. When I am not working on my next assignment, I'm either dancing and playing volleyball.

During my year in practice, I have worked at FDG, a company that specialises on laboratories and research facilities. I prefer working in Revit, with a bit of Rhino and Grasshopper on the side, but InDesign and Photoshop relax me.

I chose Manchester Climate Alliance because of the opportunity it offers to research some renewable energy sources. I was also attracted to the idea of working on a project for the Victoria Baths since I've seen its interior on so many films and TV series.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 15:19
Lisa H
Hi, I’m Lisa, I am a Master Architecture and adaptive reuse student. I studied at the University of Chester for my undergraduate in interior design. I have always had a passion for older and derelict buildings and thought A&AR was the perfect next step for my career to pursue in property development.

When I do get some spare time away from assignments, I take my two dogs for long walks exploring the countryside. I also love coming up with new ideas for interior design and experimenting in my house.

I chose Manchester Climate Alliance as it is a great opportunity to explore renewable energy for listed buildings.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 17:25
Yiyu L

Hi, I’m Yiyu Luo!

Course: MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

I'm from Zhejiang, and I studied product design in the International Department of Wenzhou Business School, which seems to be completely different from my current major.

In my free time, I enjoy cycling and swimming, and occasionally go to some extreme sports as a challenge.

The reason I joined the Manchester Climate Coalition group was because I felt that climate conditions were essential for survival. What we're doing may not be big, but we're trying to improve the climate, and that's why I'm very interested in this group, doing my part.
Posted 10 Mar 2025 18:02