Group 03
PETRI OF PLAY

Petri of Play is a proposed collaboration between MSA Live Group 03 and The University of Manchester, to bring community, nature, learning and play to the area outside Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Our site is currently tucked away from the main road, disconnected from its surroundings and subject to vandalism. Together, we aspire to create a space for people of all ages to enjoy, somewhere to sit, with planting and interactive educational displays showcasing the work of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. We hope to collaborate with a local primary school to educate on topics such as biodiversity and climate change, through the medium of play.

Anna R / Hanjun L / Milia Marnissa Binti M / Nathan M / Ng Zi T / Rouba M / Sofia S / Wanrou S / Yunchen Y / Zara C / Zeynep Y

Anna R
Anna Robertson
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Praxis

Hi I’m Anna, I am interested in making the world a more joyful, equitable and sustainable place through architecture. I have nine months of experience as an architectural assistant at a small practice in Hull, and I am particularly interested in community based projects and heritage conservation. I am looking forward to the opportunity that MSA live provides to engage with local groups to help bring a neglected public space to life.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:38
Zara C
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: PRAXIS

Hi, I'm Zara! At MSA Live, I’m looking forward to designing an engaging space that showcases the importance of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, particularly creating an interactive environment for children. With experience in community and residential projects and user-focused design, I’m excited to contribute to a meaningful proposal and meet new people.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:40
Zara C
17/02/26
Project Description: Petri of Play is a proposed collaboration between MSA Live Group 03 and The University of Manchester, to bring community, nature, learning and play to the area outside Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Our site is currently tucked away from the main road, disconnected from its surroundings and subject to vandalism. Together, we aspire to create a space for people of all ages to enjoy, somewhere to sit, with planting and interactive educational displays showcasing the work of Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. We hope to collaborate with a local primary school to educate on topics such as biodiversity and climate change, through the medium of play.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:49
Ng Zi T
Course: BA 1

Hello, I’m Ng Zi Thong (Fiona), a first-year Architecture student from Malaysia currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA). I’m passionate about exploring creative design ideas and designing architecture with positive influences.

Throughout this MSA LIVE, I will be developing my skills in design thinking and visual communication, and I’m excited to gain real world experience and collaborate with others through this project.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:53
Hanjun L
Course ：MArch 1
Atelier： SKN

Hi I'm Leon from SKN Atelier. I have joined MSA Live twice. And I am really looking forward to participate in this year’s project cause it has a different work flow as previous ones.
Personally I like to work on project related to nature and community responsibilities.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:55
Wanrou S
Name: Wanrou Song
Course: March 1
Atelier: CPU(AI)

Hi, I’m Wanrou Song(Kiki). I'm from China and obtained my bachelor’s degree in architecture there.and I’m interested in sustainable architecture design and hope to work in the field in the future. At the same time, I have a strong interest in how biomaterials can be integrated into architecture. In this project, I hope not only to design an architectural installation that showcases the biological research institute, but also to incorporate biomaterials so that people can directly experience the presence of biology itself through the architecture.

This is my first time working with students from different grades, and I’m really excited about this opportunity.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 15:03
Milia Marnissa Binti M
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: CPU(AI)

Hi, I’m Milia from Malaysia. I completed my undergraduate degree there before coming to MSA. Having studied and lived in different places, I’m interested in how context shapes the way people use and experience spaces. I’m drawn to architecture that focuses on everyday use, and this project is a chance for me to explore how design can make knowledge more open and engaging.
Posted 18 Feb 2026 10:01
Zeynep Y
Zeynep Yucel
Course: BA1

Hello! I’m Zeynep, I’m from Turkey and its my first year participating at MSA Live. I’m honored and excited to contribute to a real-world project while collaborating with peers at different stages of their education. I’m especially looking forward to learning from my peers, gaining new perspectives, and challenging my own way of thinking through collaboration.
Posted 17 Mar 2026 14:43
Sofia S
Name: Sofia Shahzad
Course: BA Architecture with foundation year

Hi! My name is Sofia, I’m from London and I’m a foundation year student at the MSA. I’m really excited to be participating in MSA Live and I’m hoping to learn a lot from my peers and also the project we are working on: creating a vibrant, accessible third space for all ages to celebrate microbiology and encourage learning and interaction.
Posted 17 Mar 2026 14:56
Milia Marnissa Binti M
Task Division & Submission Prep
(03/03/2026)
Last week, we focused on organising our group work ahead of the 9 March deadline. We divided tasks across the ethics application, project timeline, risk assessment, and budget, ensuring each member was responsible for a specific area. We worked collaboratively to discuss our approach and prepare all documents for submission.
Posted 17 Mar 2026 15:00
Rouba M
Hi! I’m Rouba, a first-year Architecture student at MSA. I’m really excited to take part in MSA Live, as it is a valuable opportunity to connect with architecture students across different year groups and gain insight from their experiences. I’m particularly looking forward to developing my skills and contributing positively to spaces within our communities.
Posted 18 Mar 2026 00:06
Zeynep Y
03/02/26

This week marked our first engagement with the project site. The emphasis was on examining and comprehending the existing building and its mood rather than diving right into design.

We investigated the area for a while, focusing on the building's materials, lighting, and various perspectives. Contrasts in texture and structure, as well as the way natural light interacts with surfaces throughout the day, were the focus of early observations.
Posted 21 Apr 2026 02:02
Zeynep Y
03/02/26

We developed a series of questions for our UoM collaborating partner after our first group meeting and preliminary discussion of the brief. We learned more about their expectations and priorities for the project during our evening conversation with them.

We took advantage of this chance to consider several choices, evaluating them collectively and making notes to help orient our future actions. This discussion served to lay the groundwork for our future strategy.
Posted 21 Apr 2026 02:10
Zeynep Y
17/02/26

Description of the Project:
A proposed partnership between MSA Live Group 03 and the University of Manchester, Petri of Play aims to bring play, learning, community, and nature to the area around the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.

The location is currently nestled away from the main road, which makes it seem isolated from its surroundings and leaves it open to damage. In response, the initiative aims to turn this neglected area into a welcoming and stimulating setting for individuals of all ages.

In addition to instructive and interactive displays that highlight the work of the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, our concept calls for a space where people can sit, connect, and engage. Additionally, we want to work with a nearby elementary school to promote learning through experience by use play as a vehicle to discuss subjects like biodiversity and climate change.

In order to convey our vision and future course, we also decided on the name Petri of Play and created our first poster during this session.
Posted 21 Apr 2026 02:20
Zeynep Y
03/03/26

Task Division & Submission Preparation
We concentrated on organizing our work throughout this session in order to meet the deadline of March 9. The ethics application, project timetable, risk assessment, and budget were among the important areas where tasks were distributed such that each team member was in charge of a particular aspect.

In addition, we collaborated to improve our strategy, talk about important factors, and solidify our concepts, which enabled us to get the necessary documents ready for submission.
Posted 21 Apr 2026 02:29
Zeynep Y
17/03/26

We made the decision to create a 3D model during this session in order to better explain our concepts to our collaborator. In order to collect a variety of user viewpoints, we also created two distinct surveys, one for the building's staff and another for younger children. Alongside this, we developed preliminary sketches to further refine our proposal.
Posted 21 Apr 2026 02:35
Yunchen Y
Course: MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse (AR)
Hello, everyone. My name is YUNCHEN YU. I'm from China. My undergraduate major was Interior Design in the field of Environmental Design. I am very interested in revitalizing and rejuvenating a place through renovation! This is my first time participating in MSA LIVE, which is organized by students from multiple majors. I hope to gain something from it and have a good time.
Posted 27 Apr 2026 18:10
Anna R
Hi, I’m Kari. I am a part time student currently in my second of four years working towards a master's degree in landscape architecture. I work as a Landscape Consultant and have three years' experience. My bachelor's degree is in Fashion design, and I have a strong interest in growing and foraging for food. I am excited to bring all my experiences together in my studies and in the MSA Live project.
Posted 10 May 2026 16:26
Milia Marnissa Binti M
Second Site Visit
12/05/2026

Our second visit to the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), led by Ulrike on Tuesday, gave us the opportunity to gain valuable final feedback before developing and refining our tour concepts further.

Beyond discussions, we were also brought into the laboratories to experience the spaces, technical equipment, and working environment first-hand. Seeing how researchers operate within the building helped us better understand MIB’s role, research culture and spatial needs.
Posted 14 May 2026 12:51
Milia Marnissa Binti M
From Sketches to Final Direction
13/5/2026

Following the MIB site visit, our group met again to further develop and refine our tour concepts. Everyone shared sketches, ideas, and references, allowing us to discuss different approaches and collaboratively work towards a final common direction.

The session helped us consolidate our ideas before proceeding with the development of final 3D models, drawings, and renders.
Posted 14 May 2026 13:24
Milia Marnissa Binti M
Designing Through Community Feedback
8/4/2026 - 13/5/2026

Before the intensive week and second MIB site visit, our group also carried out online community engagement through a Google Form survey targeted at MIB staff and children as part of our user research for the interactive exhibition space.

With around 62 responses received, the survey provided valuable feedback that helped inform our design decisions, showing how engagement extended beyond physical site visits into digital participation.
Posted 14 May 2026 14:54
Milia Marnissa Binti M
Final Presentation Preparation
14/5/2026

Following the second site visit and community feedback, our group gathered for a final working session to refine the overall proposal and prepare for Friday’s presentation.

During this stage, we finalised visualisations, colour palette, publication layouts, and landscape and rain garden palettes requested by MIB. We also organised presentation roles, scripts, and speaking tasks to ensure a clear and collaborative final presentation.
Posted 14 May 2026 15:46