Group 06
DIDSBURY IN UNITY

Come with us as we reimagine United Didsbury Methodist Church to strengthen its community presence and enhance its social value! By transforming Room 3, the office, and the end of the main church into a flexible hub with direct street access, we will create an active setting for workshops, performances, meetings and shared events. Introducing greater transparency through openings and visual connections will blur the boundary between church and street. We aim to encourage wider community use and sustained participation throughout the week. Redesigned entrances will be more accessible, secure and energy efficient, a warmer welcome and improved long-term sustainability.

Abhishek S / Angela N / Aylin Beren O / Aysin Zeynep A / Fan Y / Han L / Logan J / Marina M / Qide F / Serge Christopher S / Weng Chon C

Abhishek S
नमस्ते | Namaste!

My name is Abhishek Sethi, and I am originally from New Delhi, India. I am a Master’s student in Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), currently in Year 1. I graduated in 2019 and bring six years of professional experience in architectural practice. MSA Live is my first introduction to a UK-based project and an exciting opportunity to understand local contexts, regulations, and collaborative studio culture. I have a strong interest in historical architecture and enjoy exploring architectural narratives through photography. I am enthusiastic about engaging with communities, developing thoughtful design responses, and expanding my global perspective as I continue this journey.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 15:03
Angela N
Habari!

My name is Angela Ndori. I’m originally from Tanzania and grew up mainly in the UK, and I’m a Foundation year architecture student with a strong passion for vernacular architecture and sustainable design in the built environment. I previously worked in Kenya with a company focused on green housing and sustainable agriculture, where I gained practical insight into environmentally responsible design. I’m especially drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of architecture, exploring how it connects with sociopolitics and history to shape communities and spaces. I’m eager to keep learning, collaborating, and developing design approaches that respect culture, climate, and context while contributing to a more sustainable future through thoughtful, people-centred architecture as I grow professionally.

This project with our collaborator, United Didsbury Methodist Church, directly reflects these interests. It offers an opportunity to apply my passion for sustainable and community-focused design to a real setting, where architecture can meaningfully support inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental responsibility. I’m particularly excited to contribute ideas that help transform the church into a more flexible and welcoming space that serves both its congregation and the wider community.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 15:09
Aylin Beren O
Merhaba!

My name is Aylin Beren Ozkan. I am a first-year BA Architecture student at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), originally from Istanbul, Turkey. I am currently in Year 1 and at the beginning of my academic journey in architecture.

I completed my high school education in Istanbul, where I developed a strong interest in art, mathematics, and design. During high school, I participated in drawing and model-making activities, which helped me build a foundation.

I am especially interested in sustainable design, adaptive reuse, and socially responsive architecture. I value designs that respond carefully to their context while balancing aesthetics and functionality. Throughout my studies, I aim to expand my knowledge, refine my technical skills, and develop thoughtful design approaches that are both innovative and responsible.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 15:31
Aysin Zeynep A
Merhaba!

My name is Aysın Zeynep Aysel. I am from Istanbul, Turkey and I am currently a first-year BA Architecture student in Manchester School of Architecture (MSA).

I concentrated on science and math in high school, which aided in the development of my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. I also explored artistic disciplines such as digital design software, model making, and drawing. Public space design and the social impact of space are two architectural areas that particularly interest me. I enjoy creating designs that prioritize user experience, establish a close connection with the environment, and strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. I am also interested in integrating environmentally friendly elements such as natural light and sustainable materials into architectural design.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 23:22
Fan Y
你好哇!

My name is Fan Yi. I am a Year 1 MArch student at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), and I completed my undergraduate degree in China. In China, I worked at Antarch and the Shanghai Design & Research Institute. I independently led a guesthouse project and also contributed to residential district design and mixed-use masterplanning.

I am particularly interested in cultural architecture and architectural theory, especially phenomenology and typology. I also enjoy participating in community regeneration and discussing with a wider range of people how we can improve everyday living-space experiences around us. I hope to learn from more perspectives and design approaches, continuously broaden and refine my own viewpoint, and ultimately bring my ideal architectural forms into reality; even if only partially.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 13:31
Han L
你好！

my name is Han Liu from China and I am in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. I completed five years of architectural studies in China and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture. I also interned at the Jiangsu Provincial Architectural Design Institute, where I gained valuable practical experience in architectural design.

I have a strong passion for physical model making and enjoy hands-on craftsmanship. My academic and design interests focus on age-friendly and barrier-free design, with a particular emphasis on inclusive and human-centered environments. I aspire to create spaces that support the lifestyles and needs of diverse user groups, and I look forward to designing environments that are truly suitable for people from different backgrounds and abilities.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 14:37
Logan J
Hello!

My name is Logan from Bramhall, Manchester and I am in MA1. Before starting my Master’s studies at the MSA, I completed an undergraduate architecture degree at Newcastle University. Following this, I worked at TateHindle in London, where I contributed to various residential, commercial, and masterplanning projects, while establishing strong working relationships with fellow architects, clients, contractors, and engineers.

I have a strong passion for creating spaces that form deep-rooted, positive, and interactive relationships with their surrounding environmental, social, and architectural landscapes. Central to my approach is the concept of landscape thinking as a lens for design at all stages of the process, embedding sustainability from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought. I am looking forward to applying my past experiences and interests to this project as well as developing new ideas and skills.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 14:52
Marina M
Cześć!

My name is Marina, I am from Poland and I grew up in Wiltshire and I am in BA1. I started my architecture journey in September at Manchester School of Architecture. So far, I have found the experience very inspiring while also being challenged by new things.

I am particularly interested in the creative and conceptual design process of architecture projects and adapting them to real life. I’m thrilled to take part in a live project and contribute to the improvement of accessibility and sustainability of the United Methodist Church in Didsbury especially because of its strong connection to community.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 15:03
Qide F
你好!

I am Fu Qide, a postgraduate student majoring in Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at MSA. I am passionate about revitalizing old buildings, preserving their historical value while endowing the spaces with new functions and vitality.

I have a solid foundation in architectural design, with a focus on urban renewal, heritage conservation and spatial transformation. I emphasize the integration of design with site, culture and social needs.

Committed to combining research with practice, I hope to contribute to the renewal and sustainable development of existing buildings through rational and thoughtful design. I also look forward to broadening my horizons through continuous learning and communication, and growing into a designer with both innovation and responsibility.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 16:40
Weng Chon C
你好!

My name is Weng Cheong (Ron). I am a first-year Master of Architecture student from Macau with a strong interest in computational design and the financial side of architectural business.
I have two years of professional experience working as a project management assistant and architectural assistant. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry and enabled me to collaborate closely with interior designers, engineers, clients, contractors and architects.
I am committed to delivering architecture that creates interactive and inclusive environments, complies with local regulatory rules, and maximises the commercial performance and long term value of buildings.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 18:59
Angela N
Meeting 01 — 03/02/2026

On the first day of MSA Live, we met as a group to introduce ourselves and discuss the United Didsbury Methodist Church project. We ran a short icebreaker to help everyone settle in and quickly understand each person’s key skills and what they would like to achieve with this project.

Project direction
We then reviewed the brief and clarified the project scope. Our early focus is on making the church feel more inclusive and accessible, welcoming a wider range of users including disabled visitors, and encouraging broader community use of the building. To prepare for the client meeting later that afternoon, we also began outlining key questions to confirm the client’s priorities and the areas they want us to focus on.
Posted 28 Feb 2026 12:27
Angela N
Meeting 1.5 — 03/02/2026

Meeting the client
After our afternoon team catch-up with the new members, we met the client to understand their background and expectations for the project.

Client priorities
They highlighted three key areas: the entrance/reception, the main entrance, and Room 3 + office. The aim is to convert Room 3 and the office into flexible, multi-use spaces, while improving access so it feels safe, clear, and inclusive for everyone, including disabled users. They also want the entrance experience to look cleaner, be easier to navigate, and support better commercial value.

Key issues raised
Heat loss, overall accessibility, and building security were raised as current problems. The church also aims to reach net zero carbon by 2030.

Project direction
Next, we will focus design work around the three main areas, arrange a site visit with the client to understand issues firsthand, and develop a poster that reflects the church’s character and the client’s vision.
Posted 28 Feb 2026 12:28
Angela N
Meeting 02 — 17/02/2026

On our second group meeting, we focused on further improving the poster and its supporting description. We discussed the overall look and its definition of United Didsbury church, including texture, layout decisions, and agreeing on clear titles that communicate the project direction.

Project direction
We then divided into smaller groups to cover the key project strands. This included developing the risk assessment, outlining ethical considerations, setting up the project timeline, and starting a basic budget framework so we can track deliverables and responsibilities more clearly moving forward.
Posted 28 Feb 2026 12:36
Logan J
Poster Development - 20/02/26

The images above illustrate the development journey of our poster, from the initial concept sketches through to the refinement of the final selected design. Throughout this process, our discussions focused on reflecting the priorities identified by our collaborators, ensuring that the poster aligned with their ideas for improvement, experiences, and understanding of how the existing space functions for all user groups.

The final design aims to communicate the opening of the church to the wider community and surrounding street. It highlights key concepts identified during the initial collaboration discussions, including improved transparency, clearer and identifiable signage, enhanced entrance routes, and improved accessibility for all members of the community.

The collaborators highlighted these themes as essential to making the space more appealing and accessible to a wider range of users. They acknowledged the ageing demographic of current church members and emphasised the need for the space to be designed to accommodate a variety of user groups, creating an improved, more welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community. Through our poster we attempt to highlight these key aims.
Posted 14 May 2026 19:04
Logan J
Meeting 03 – 17/03/26

This stage of the project focused on creating the plan for our project engagement activity and overall project through a budget, project timeline, ethics application, risk assessment, and general project planning. These early planning stages helped us set out how the project will proceed forward over the few months.

We created a detailed project timeline that organizes the semester into tasks and deadlines including blog submissions, site analysis, initial idea development, engagement workshops, developing proposals, and final presentation outputs. Mapping the process made it simpler for us to understand connections between tasks and emphasized how important time management and collaboration will be throughout the project.

At the same time we prepared the risk and ethics documentation, budget allocation and resources required for the series of engagement activities we had planned, a site visit, a presentation of initial ideas, an engagement workshop and a QR code and opinions box. We talked about consent, inclusivity, professional communication, and how the project will consider the contributions of its members. Before the engagement day we met with our collaborator, Dave, to ensure transparent communication and finalisation of the logistics of the engagement day.
Posted 14 May 2026 20:24
Logan J
Site Visit - 21/03/26

Our group was welcomed by Rev. Catharine Hughes and Dr. Dave Armstrong to the Didsbury United Methodist Church to observe the building, gain insight into its current uses, and get to know the communities that use it. This site visit allowed our collaborators to explain the issues within the building more clearly, which helped us visualise the changes that could be made to the site. This visit allowed us to see the church's current state and begin to understand its range of demands as a venue for various community activities as well as a place of worship During the visit, we saw each of the spaces and took measurements of these areas. This helped us to understand where impact and improvement could be made and visualise our initial ideas for development.
Posted 15 May 2026 01:34
Logan J
Engagement Presentation - 21/03/26

As part of our project, we presented our initial design intentions and interpretation of the building to the United Didsbury Methodist Church community. Presenting to the wider church community provided an opportunity to share the proposed design direction, outline our plans moving forward, and gather initial feedback from both the users and the client.

During the presentation, we first discussed the purpose of our visit and introduced the key design principles identified through previous meetings with the client, including diversity, community, and accessibility. We then presented our initial design concepts and relevant precedents to give attendees a clear understanding of the project’s progress and overall vision.
Posted 15 May 2026 01:40
Logan J
Engagement Workshop - 21/03/26

After the presentation, we organised an engagement workshop with both the client and members of the church community, with the aim of gathering their opinions, experiences, and feedback.

Prior to the workshop, we developed a series of questions designed to help us better understand the users’ perspectives. These included questions about what they value most about the church, how the space makes them feel and what improvements they would like to see in our scheme. These prompts formed the basis for open discussions with the users and the client, allowing us to gain a better understanding of their experiences, interpretations and ideas for the space.

To encourage participation, we wrote the questions on multiple sheets of A1 paper so that participants could easily note down their thoughts and ideas. We also provided printed floor plans alongside images of the different rooms and hallways, helping users to navigate the spaces more clearly and annotate specific areas with comments and suggestions.
Following the workshop, we were able to collate and analyse the responses, using them as a foundation for our ongoing design development. This process ensured that our proposals responded directly to the outcomes of the collaboration and reflected the needs and aspirations of the community.
Posted 15 May 2026 02:02