Course: MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

Hi I’m Patti, Peiqing from Canton, China. I’m currently studying Architecture and Adaptive Reuse in MSA. I studied Media Arts and Design at Hong Kong Baptist University for the bachelor degree and have been working as a graphic designer in Canton and Hong Kong before entering the field of architecture. Look forward to having fun with the skate pool in Alsager!

I'm interested in all kinds of arts including 3d arts like metaverse and video game. I also love making espresso and watching football games in my spare time.

DAY 2 - Brainstorm and Sketches
We’ve made great progress since yesterday’s brainstorm! Everyone contributed fantastic sketches, and we now have three distinct concept styles. Each one brings a unique perspective, and we’ve started forming rough ideas on the masterplan. The next step is to develop these further and refine the overall direction.

DAY 2 - Site Model
After developing our concept ideas, we began building a physical site model of the existing skate park in Alsager and some conceptual models. Site model will help us better understand the potential challenges we might face during the later stages of the design process.

DAY 3:
We completed the site model today, and everyone enthusiastically moved on to concept sketching and designing the installation on-site. Both the BA and MLA students began refining the ideas they developed on Day 2, and everyone made excellent progress!

DAY 3 - Site Model
We went to B15 to laser cut layered MDF boards to represent the depth of the skate pool. Combined with hand-cut grey board models, we successfully completed the site model. We’re excited to move on to the next stage of the design!

CONCEPT 1 - Pavilion
We unintentionally divided everyone into BA1, BA2, and MLA groups. This concept originated from the BA2 students. They designed a pavilion alongside the skate pool, creating a sheltered space where children can play around the installation. They also proposed a children’s graffiti wall, referencing the existing graffiti wall next to the skate pool, where children can draw on it, moving their arts class to outdoors space.

CONCEPT 2 - Installation X
This proposal comes from the BA1 students. They designed an X-shaped installation along the pathway between the graffiti wall and the skate pool. The intersecting arches of the X are envisioned to be constructed using recycled railway materials. Within the gaps of the structure, colourful images and drawings can be displayed, creating an engaging and ever-changing visual experience. On sunny days, the structure casts dynamic shadows on the ground that shift and evolve as the sun moves across the sky.

CONCEPT 3 - Performance Stage
This idea comes from the MLA students. They propose a dynamically shaped structure that functions both as a stage and a skateable surface, forming a tunnel-like space for interactive play. In addition, they designed a pottery tower inspired by Alsager’s pottery heritage. The tower allows children to climb up and enjoy an elevated view of the entire Milton Park.

DAY 6:
We are finalising the design today by extracting ideas from each group and aligning them with the requirements set by our collaborators, who want something building on-site. The pavilion is intended to be easy to construct, and we’ve decided to use timber for the structure. Besides the design itself, the main challenges we’re facing are determining how to build it and deciding on the appropriate scale.

DAY 7:
Today, the group has discussed on the details of the pavilion as the final design installation. While still developing and resolving the structure and material, students were split in 2 groups, producing drawings and sketches of the final design, and the other group making sketch model. The students also prepared the materials needed for 1:20 final model.

DAY 8:
We finalised the scale and structure of the Stoke-on-Trent pavilion and began constructing the 1:20 model using real materials. Meanwhile, other students worked on drawing the 1:20 section and elevation. A highly productive day!

DAY 9:
Today, we wrap up the design work for the model, section, elevation, masterplan drawings, and renderings, all created at a 1:20 scale. We also begin documenting the sketches and writing a description of the conceptual journey from day one. NEARLY THERE!!!

DAY 10:
We were wrapping up the final organisation and scanning work. Our collaborators have asked us to film a video presentation for the project. We’re producing two separate videos—one tailored for children, aiming to communicate our ideas in a fun and engaging way, and another for the council, serving as a formal proposal to advocate for bringing the project to life at the skatepark.

PIZZA PARTY!!!!

Thank you all for these incredible two weeks! Great job everyone!! You are all talented young architects, and it’s been a joy to work as a group!