Name: Ruizi Zhang
Hometown: Shandong, China

Course: Master of Architecture
Atelier: Non-standard habitat

Before joining MSA, I completed a five-year undergraduate degree in architecture in China. I also gained six months of internship experience at BIAD, where I acquired practical experience in architecture and urban design.

Interest: In my spare time, I enjoy reading geography magazines and traveling. I also have a passion for Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting.

Skills: CAD, Adobe, SU, Rhino, D5, Vary, Enscape, Lumion

COLLABORATOR
United Didsbury Methodist Church (Rev. Catharine Hughes and Dr. Dave Armstrong)

Background:
· UDMC is a 1950s church with 4 halls/rooms used for worship and community activities.
· Users: About 60 church members and 14 external user groups (e.g., preschool, choir, adult theatre).a
· Management: Church members (63), a management committee (11), and a church council (23).

Main Goals:
· Eco/Net Zero Transition:
Achieve Eco Church certification by 2030. Upgrade infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and engage the community. Follow the UK Methodist Church’s “Net Zero” guidelines.
· Increase Community Engagement:
Provide more social activities for elderly and young people. Transform spaces into cafés, art studios, or co-working areas. Strengthen links with the local community.

SITE
On February 17th, we made a general plan and elevation survey of the church.

Location and Surroundings:
The church is situated in a residential area, surrounded by houses with gardens. It has a spacious outdoor area, including a parking lot and green spaces. The church is accessible from nearby streets.

Building Structure:
The main hall is the largest space. Other rooms include kitchen, office, storage, and multiple smaller rooms.

SITE VISIT
These photos capture key views from our initial site visit to the United Didsbury Methodist Church. From the exterior brickwork to interior spaces, the sequence reflects our early spatial observations and design considerations. These visuals not only document the existing condition of the site but also help us identify potential areas for intervention and dialogue with the community.

RISK ASSESSMENT
This highlights the key points from our official Risk Assessment document for the United Didsbury Methodist Church site. As part of the MSA LIVE project preparation, we carefully identified potential hazards—from equipment handling and weather risks to interactions with church staff—and developed appropriate mitigation strategies. These precautions aim to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive research environment for all team members during site visits and project activities.