YAXUAN ZHANG

Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Yaxuan, a design explorer dedicated to architectural transformation and sustainable regeneration. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), and I graduated from Beijing Forestry University with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design. I have always believed that old buildings are the silent narrators of a city's stories. My designs start from "listening to the memories of space" and focus on infusing old buildings with a soul that fits contemporary life. I am passionate about studying low-intervention renovation strategies, such as preserving the traces of the original structure and activating idle spaces through lightweight materials and flexible zoning, allowing history and modern functions to coexist harmoniously.
Recently, I have been focusing on exploring innovative applications of sustainable materials in old buildings, such as reshaping lighting systems with translucent recycled plastic or restoring wall textures with locally recycled bricks. I look forward to joining forces with like-minded partners to redefine the value of "old" through design, enabling every building to age gracefully and be reborn with elegance.

FENG FANG

I was born in China and my name is Feng Fang. I have worked as an architect in Chinese company around 30 years, I have rich experiences in real projects. I am a student of M.arch1 and my atelier is NSH.

YUANHAO LIANG

Hi, I' am Yuanhao Liang, a student study in MA Architecture And Adaptive Reuse. I am from China, and my background is landscape design.
During my undergraduate studies, I focused on landscape design. Through in-depth research on the natural environment and human activities, I developed my sensitivity to space design, sustainable development, and the vitality of public places. However, in the process of practice, I gradually realized that a large number of old buildings, abandoned spaces, and historical heritage in the city have not been adequately protected and reused. These spaces contain rich historical, cultural, and social values. If they can be redesigned and updated through adaptive reuse, they can not only continue the city's memory, but also bring new vitality and value to the city. I really hope to make progress with you in the future learning process.

FIRST GROUP DICUSSION

This was the first meeting of our team members. We sat together to discuss our general understanding of the project and share our initial ideas for the project transformation. This was a very interesting brainstorming session. We gathered all the ideas and wrote them down. Discussions like this help us deepen our understanding of the project and improve our efficiency and quality in the future design process.

SITE VISIT

On February 19, 2025, our team went to the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team in the Bolton area of ​​Manchester for a site visit. The main purpose of this visit was to communicate in depth with the staff of the rescue team, understand the challenges and needs they face when using the existing site, show them our preliminary design ideas for the project, and listen to their feedback.

During the inspection, we first learned about the layout of the entire site, including buildings, parking areas, and surrounding environmental conditions through aerial photography. From this perspective, we have a more intuitive understanding of the spatial organization of the site and its relationship with the surrounding environment. Subsequently, we visited various areas inside and outside the building, and had face-to-face exchanges with the staff of the rescue team to learn in detail about their needs for the functional functions of the building space in their daily work, as well as the problems existing in the site. For example, the rescue team mentioned that the existing garage space is relatively tight and cannot meet the storage needs of all rescue equipment; at the same time, the functional division of the internal space also needs to be reasonably optimized to improve work efficiency.
Through this field visit, we not only enhanced communication with the rescue team, but also deepened our understanding of the current status and usage needs of the site. Next, we will further optimize and improve our design plan based on the information and suggestions obtained from this investigation, in order to create a more efficient, comfortable and work-oriented architectural space for the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

RICHARD SALGE

I’m a MArch 1 student at CPU Ai. Having completed my undergraduate studies in in Germany, I spent a year in practice in London working in a global practice. This experience gave me valuable insights into both large-scale and smaller projects, shaping my approach to architecture and design. I’m particularly interested in computational design and incorporating new tools, like Grasshopper. Outside of architecture, I enjoy playing tennis, watching Formula 1 and football, and traveling to discover new cultures and places.

TIA TIAN

I’m a practical architect based in Beijing and a dedicated researcher on smart architecture at MSA.
With an innovative and passionate approach to design, I explore multiple narratives within projects of varying scales, attributes, and contexts.
Beyond architecture, I find inspiration in the untamed beauty of the mountains, where I love to hike and travel—seeking new perspectives, fresh air, and the quiet wisdom of nature.