Hello everyone, I’m Li Xiang, but you can also call me Lucius.

I come from China and earned my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. Afterwards, I gained several years of professional experience at an architectural design firm in Shanghai. Fueled by my passion for architecture, I pursued a Master's degree in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse, focusing on how historic buildings can be revitalized and given new life.

I am excited to collaborate with The Grange. @TheGrange in Blackpool is a large community hub located on the Grange Park estate. Our project will involve transforming the existing indoor spaces while ensuring a thoughtful connection with the outdoor garden. I believe my diverse academic and professional background will contribute unique perspectives to this project.

@TheGrange in Blackpool is a large community hub on the Grange Park estate. It has been highlighted as a centre of best practice for engaging local residents in wellbeing activity through the support provided by
the team at Groundwork.
The site includes a library, café, theatre, community farm, free to use laundrette and various meeting rooms.
Space is now at capacity and in order to deliver more activities for community benefit we want to look at reimaging underused spaces. This would include:

1) Redesigning the complex toilets and storage spaces to improve the quality of toilet facilities and create more functional community space.

2)Redesigning the open public spaces within the building providing a better flow and bringing the outdoors in. This would include design options to create a mixed library and café space and reimaging the outdoor patio space.

Day 1
Site and Inspiration!!

MSA Live has officially started today!
The BA1 and BA2 students have now joined us, and we have begun our project according to the action plan.

First, we had a site introduction and an ice-breaking activity, where each member shared their idea of a dream studio to get to know each other better.
In the afternoon, students were divided into three small groups. Each group was tasked with discussing the highlights of the site, what elements they would like to add, and how to create a connection between the café and the bookstore.

Day 2
Site analysis!!

We started the investigation and study of the site.
There are four parts:
History (the background, area, and architecture of The Grange)
Population (demographic data of the surrounding area)
Facilities (what facilities are nearby, such as gardens, schools, hospitals, etc.)
Transport (how people get to the building)

Day 2
Coffee, books, inspiration, concepts!!

After finishing the site analysis in the morning, we planned a visit to several local coffee libraries in Manchester during the afternoon. We collected some great inspiration!
After that, we quickly held a brainstorming session and started to create our design concepts.
Everything is going very smoothly!

Day 3
Concepts continue!!

Today was another day of brainstorming. Each of us contributed to the development of design concepts, and we generated many interesting ideas!
After that, we started to present the concepts on drawings. We began our renovation design by sketching floor plans.

To be continued!

Day 4
Concepts and plans!!

Today we confirmed the design concepts. We divided into two groups, and each group developed the floor plans based on different concepts.
At the same time, we also started to think about and design some details. We have also begun preparing for the mid-term presentation on Friday.
What a productive day!

Day 5
Mid-term presentation!!

A happy group photo with our collaborator Mike @THEGRANGE.

Thanks to the BA students for a great presentation, and to Mike for his feedback, which helped clarify our direction for next week’s work.
Let’s keep it up!

Day 5
Mid-term presentation!!

In the morning, we prepared our mid-term presentation, and at noon we shared our design ideas and two different proposals with our collaborator Mike from @THEGRANGE.

The presentation was organized by the master's students, while the BA students delivered the content. Mike was very pleased with our proposals and gave comments on both.
Afterward, we discussed together and decided on the final design direction.

Day 6
A new week!

After a restful weekend, we resumed our design work. This week, we are moving into the next stage of the design process—transferring our hand-drawn sketches into digital form to create more precise drawings and digital models.

Day 7
Under Development!!

Today, we officially began the development of the digital model and started to further refine our design within a three-dimensional space. The site has been divided into five sections, with each group responsible for the detailed design of their respective areas. At the same time, we have started to produce a colored plan and compile a material mood board that aligns with our design concept, in order to better define the style and material expression of the project.

Day 8
Continuous Output!!

Today, we continued producing our technical drawings and some rendered images. Throughout this process, we engaged in ongoing discussions—not only about the design itself but also about how to create high-quality renderings. We have learned a lot along the way. Meanwhile, the final portfolio and project outcomes are also steadily progressing.

To be continued!

Day 9
Drawing Production!!

The undergraduate students have completed their work, and together we produced many great results! At noon, we had a group lunch. Tomorrow, we will carry out the final wrap-up work!

Day 10
The final day!!

What an exciting and productive two weeks it has been! Thank you to everyone who contributed to this workshop!