MArch 1, Infrastructure Space

Hey! I’m Laura, a MArch 1 student in the Infrastructure Space atelier. I completed my BA at MSA and am excited to continue my journey here!

I’m particularly interested in large-scale land management and the ways design can shape landscapes to be more functional, immersive, and meaningful. I love creating narratives through design—whether that means reimagining how spaces evolve over time or crafting environments that tell a deeper story. Sustainability plays a huge role in this, ensuring that the places we design don’t just serve people but support all species that inhabit them.

In my free time, I love getting lost in hands-on creative work—carving linocut prints, giving stick-and-poke tattoos, or simply spending time in nature. I find inspiration in organic forms, textures, and the patterns found in the natural world, which often influence my creative work both in and outside of architecture.

Day 0: Exploring Bradford: A Site Visit That Sparked Our Vision

Our recent visit to Bradford marked a turning point in the development of our project. The route we took, thoughtfully curated by Jade Jade Ibegbuna, our collaborator from The City Council, took us on a journey through some of the city’s most iconic historic buildings—and left us inspired to create a similar experience for the wider public.
As we moved through these incredible spaces, we were struck by how many of Bradford’s residents might not even know they are welcome to explore them. This realisation became a key part of our motivation: to design an experience that invites people to rediscover their city and feel a sense of belonging in its remarkable heritage sites.

The city is experiencing a cultural renaissance, embracing its diversity, youthful population, and rich artistic heritage. Bradford’s strength lies in its people—one of the most diverse communities in the UK, where cultures, languages, and traditions come together to form a vibrant social fabric. It’s this diversity that makes the city so dynamic and full of creative potential, and it’s central to the story we want to tell through this project.

We visited Bradford Live, currently undergoing renovation and due to reopen soon—we were incredibly lucky to get a glimpse inside before its official launch, thanks to Christophe. We also explored the Media Museum (with Dean), the Alhambra Theatre (with Laura and Penny), and City Hall (with Len). Each building offered a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage and the care that went into shaping its identity.

More reflections on each building (and the amazing people who guided us) coming soon—huge thanks to Jade, Rachel, Christophe, Dean, Laura, Penny, Len, Jamie, and everyone who joined our community roundtable.

Day 5- 16.05.25- Interactive Elements Design

On day five, we moved forward with developing the interactive elements by dividing into five groups, each focusing on a different game-like element of our wayfinding activity. Our day involved activities ranged from modelling a historical plaster detail in clay to digitally replicating intricate features in CAD for later laser cutting. Alongside these tasks, we conducted research and produced sketches to refine our ideas. This hands-on, multidisciplinary approach allowed us to explore both traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication techniques, ensuring the interactive elements are both authentic and innovative.

Day 5- 16.05.25- Concepts Meet Community

The second half of the day brought a pivotal moment in the project: a presentation to Jade, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Bradford Council. Each group shared their puzzle idea, walking through how their interactive concepts link to the architectural, cultural, and social significance of their building. We also communicated our overall aim: to create an engaging, educational, and playful experience that connects people with the heritage of Bradford in a fresh, tactile way.
Jade offered invaluable feedback, critiquing our ideas through the lens of public engagement and cultural value. Her insights helped us consider how the puzzles might resonate with different audiences across Bradford, from locals familiar with the buildings to newcomers discovering the city’s history for the first time.
Her encouragement and constructive critique helped sharpen our focus as we move toward prototyping and final presentation. It was a meaningful reminder that design is not just about creativity but connection with place, people, and purpose.

Written by Shreya Tripathi

Day 6- 17.05.25- Manufacturing

On Day 6, we explored a variety of model-making techniques in order to develop the interactive elements of our wayfinding route. One of these processes involved creating a silicone mould from the clay sculpture we had previously crafted. By pouring a 2-part silicone over the clay, we produced a negative mould, which allows us to replicate the original piece multiple times.

After allowing the silicone to cure for 24 hours, the mould will be ready to be carefully removed and prepared for casting. Our next step involves pouring plaster into the mould to create identical copies. The goal is to produce five replicas, enabling five participants to engage with the puzzle simultaneously.

Written by Laura Popa

Day 7- 19.05.25- Manufacturing

On Day 7, we dove deeper into developing the interactive elements of our project by exploring a variety of model-making techniques, with a particular focus on casting and laser cutting. These hands-on processes challenged us to advance both our digital and physical skill sets.

For the laser cutting component, we developed our abilities in computer-aided design (CAD), learning how to create precise digital files that translate into physical components. This required a solid understanding of digital fabrication workflows as well as the mechanics of the game.

The casting process, on the other hand, emphasized material knowledge, patience, and manual dexterity. We experimented with different moulds and casting materials, refining our techniques to achieve clean, accurate results. This process made us develop a deeper appreciation for the interplay between digital design and hands-on craftsmanship.

Written by Laura Popa

Day 8- 21.05.25- Interactive Elements Finalisation

On Day 8, we completed the interactive elements of our project, bringing together the laser-cut and cast pieces into a fully playable form. With the physical components ready, we turned our attention to creating a clear and engaging pamphlet of rules and instructions. This guide explains how to play the game and highlights the architectural heritage behind each puzzle piece. Our aim is to make the experience enjoyable and educational for all players. Finishing these materials feels like a big step forward, and we’re excited to soon share the game with others and gather their feedback.

Written by Laura Popa