Course: MA Architecture & Adaptive Reuse
Hi, I’m Baiyun Sheng.
I am from China and completed my undergraduate studies in Interior Design at Shanghai Normal University, where I developed a strong foundation in spatial design and material exploration. Now, I am pursuing an MA in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at MSA, further expanding my understanding of architectural transformation and sustainable design strategies.

During my academic journey, I have worked with various design software, including Rhino, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, and Photoshop, allowing me to efficiently translate concepts into visuals and technical drawings. My passion lies in reimagining spaces with a focus on adaptive reuse, breathing new life into existing structures while preserving their essence.

I am excited to work with the Canal and River Trust to bring their vision for the pontoon to life, creating adaptive, modular, and innovative designs. Engaging with real-world projects like this allows me to explore the potential of adaptive reuse in meaningful ways, transforming existing spaces into dynamic and functional environments that respond to contemporary needs.

Action Plan!

This two-week plan follows the complete trajectory of a design project, from initial research to final presentation.

The first week emphasizes early-stage exploration and preparation, including site analysis, teamwork, brainstorming, sketching, and initial modelling to define the project direction.

In the second week, the focus shifts to design refinement and presentation. Teams will develop their ideas further, improve models and drawings, and prepare clear, well-structured final outputs for review and submission.

Getting wet!

Our models got their first dip in the water as we tested out their floatability, structural stability, and weight distributions. Most of them stood fast to our 20-second test, but some unfortunately had more water ingress than others :(

We have our water bottle platform barges that made the waterscape accessible for everyone, as well as toothpick performance spaces, buoyant circular piers, organic-partitioned platforms, swimming in the water with our jellyfish (not to scale!)

All hands on board for more designing now!

Pizza lunch!

We headed to YES for half-price pizzas. Crust too big. Bit salty. Overall great company. 7/10.

Final Proposals!


The final designs explore a range of different ideas showcasing themes; adaptability, modulation, flexibility, representation, organic and adaptive reuse. They explore the threshold of public and private, allowing for secure and exposed spaces. The Canal and River Trust pushed the idea of getting the public close to interact with the water, which is the focus of many of the final designs produced, this has been done through ramps, viewing platforms and cutouts.

We have pushed the students this week to communicate their ideas through renders or collages. A range of styles have been displayed, which were all well received in the final presentation to the clients. The students should be proud of the work they have produced throughout the two weeks.