Group 12
TALK SHOP

TalkShop is an initiative dedicated to the redesign and revitaliation of the primary hub for Trafford Youth Service, transforming an underutilised space into a vibrant, youth friendly environment. Located in Sale Town Center near the canal, the project aims to renovate the building to make it more accessible, welcoming, and practical for the local community. This project is driven by collaboration with young people, aged 11-19 to create a safe space supporting diverse needs, from casual social hangouts to LGBTQ+ support and sexual health resources.

Darcey B / Daria A / Gagan GR / Grace M / Ho Ching M / Jie Z / Miracle O / Nandi Tlotlanang M / Sara K / Waley Michael Paul-Ariel O / Yagmur I

Sara K
We are group 12 and we are rejuvenating the Talkshop in the Trafford Centre, Sale. Since covid, the number of young people visiting the TalkShop has dwindled, and the current proprietors think of the space as out of date. Our mission is to upgrade the main reception area according to the vision of those who regularly access it in hopes of enhancing their experience. An exciting new rebrand would also help in attracting new foot traffic and create some excitement around the space, hopefully increasing awareness and encouraging more people to take advantage of the services.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 16:53
Grace M
Last week we met with Ben Atha, a Young People’s Worker at Trafford Council, who works closely with Talkshop in Sale, Manchester, to clarify exactly what he wants to achieve from the project and where improvements are needed. After preparing key questions ahead of the meeting, we were able to align on his goals, identify areas to strengthen, and agree on clear next steps. It was a productive conversation that laid a strong foundation for delivering a meaningful proposal for the young people using the service.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 17:53
Nandi Tlotlanang M
We started the session finishing off the last few details of our group poster for the blog. Our day comprised of planning out the group’s spending budget, our risk assessment timeline and ethics. When taking on these tasks we mutually chose to divide and conquer — we broke up into groups of 2-3. We were adamant on offering and providing help where necessary to work efficiently and effectively. By the end we had completed all the tasks besides the timeline, as most of the group members were unfamiliar with the process of creating one.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 14:54
Ho Ching M
The most challenging task so far has been developing our project timeline. As most of us have limited experience in project management, we decided to approach it collaboratively through group brainstorming to ensure no deadlines or tasks were overlooked. Smaller groups work better for straightforward tasks, while larger discussions help clarify complex or unfamiliar ones and ensure support for everyone. Some members suggested using Microsoft Project Viewer instead of Google Sheets or Excel, as a few have prior experience with it in practice. We agreed that this tool could improve task visualization and coordination in upcoming stages.

Posted 3 Mar 2026 15:37
Grace M
Hi I’m Grace Martin, a current MArch 1 student in AND Atelier. I graduated from Northumbria University in 2024 and spent a year working in practice in Bath, where I was primarily involved in a large scale campus project.

I’m keen to broaden my project experience by working more closely with local communities and designing spaces that are inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of people. Being involved with The Talk Shop provides a meaningful opportunity to design an inclusive space that supports a wide range of people within the community, placing emphasis on engagement and shared activity.

I’m really looking forward to working collaboratively with other MSA students, gaining insight from their perspectives while contributing the experience and knowledge I developed during my undergraduate studies and year in practice. I am excited to begin working on a live project within a team environment, tailoring our proposal carefully to meet a client’s needs.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 15:47
Waley Michael Paul-Ariel O
Hi, I’m Michael Oyekola, a current MArch 1 student in Continuity atelier. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, USA, and have work experience in construction and design build, where I’ve contributed to large-scale educational, community, and sports projects.

I’m interested in how architecture can bring people together and create meaningful shared experiences, and I’m keen to engage more directly with communities through inclusive and accessible design. Being involved with The Talk Shop is an exciting opportunity to work on a live project that supports real community needs.

I’m especially looking forward to learning how to translate a client’s vision and aspirations into a tangible architectural proposal while collaborating with other MSA students.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 16:08
Ho Ching M
Hi, I’m Isaac, a MArch I student at FLUX Atelier. I graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2023 and spent two years working in project management for commercial and residential projects across Asia.

My participatory design experience includes collaborating with elderly residents to renovate their old flats, improving safety and efficiency through a deep understanding of their daily routines and multiple interviews. This experience reinforced my belief that user engagement is a powerful design tool—users best understand their own needs, and architects should translate those insights into practical, comfortable spaces rather than dictate outcomes.

In terms of project type, I’m particularly passionate about designing for young people and previously worked on a youth hostel project in Hong Kong. Joining this collaborative workshop allows me to connect with youths, explore new ideas, and exchange creative energy. Outside of architecture, I enjoy backpack traveling, exploring history, and meeting people from around the world.

Posted 3 Mar 2026 16:11
Nandi Tlotlanang M
Hey, I am Nandi Mahlangu currently doing my first year in Architecture, at Manchester School of Architecture.

As an international student from South Africa I’ve been exposed to a rich diversity of cultures, traditions and various equality issues that have driven my fondness for architecture.

I find interest in how people inhabit space. I am intrigued by the ways individuals adapt and reinterpret even the intended use of a place. To me, architecture is dynamic it evolves with the people who occupy it. One of my main motivations for studying architecture is the desire to contribute meaningfully to communities that are often marginalised or overlooked.

This project felt well suited to my interests of engaging with the needs of voices that are not always heard. I am eager to explore how it will deepen my understanding of design as both a creative and socially responsive practice, especially as I continue learning in a new country and gaining wider perspectives through travel.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 19:20
Daria A
Hi, I’m Daria Anwar, a BA1 Architecture student from Manchester.

I’m passionate about how architecture shapes the way we live — particularly within communities facing conflict and displacement. I aspire to design spaces that not only provide shelter, but also restore dignity, identity, and a sense of stability.

Being involved in The Talk Shop project offers an exciting opportunity to explore how design can create inclusive and supportive environments within the local community. I’m especially interested in how thoughtful spatial design can encourage connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging.

As I begin my architectural journey, I’m excited to develop both the creative and technical skills needed to design with empathy and purpose, while learning from the diverse perspectives of my peers.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 20:35
Yagmur I
Hello, I’m Yagmur Iz, a BA1 Architecture student from Istanbul, Turkey.

Even though my interest in both mathematics and visual arts played a great role in me pursuing architecture, what really encouraged me to study architecture was the opportunity to shape the way people live and create environments that foster hope.

Being engaged with The Talk Shop gives me the opportunity to design a space that prioritizes connection, inclusivity, and well-being and to assist people whose needs are often overlooked.

I am looking forward to learning from diverse communities and developing imaginative and socially conscious approaches to architecture while working with other MSA students.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 23:11