Group 30
HARTLEY HUTTERS

In collaboration with Canal & River Trust, this project crafts a bold, heritage-led masterplan for the former Brunswick Half Tide Dock entrance on Liverpool’s Riverside Walkway. It transforms two Grade II listed Hartley Huts into a magnet destination that stitches Albert Dock to the quieter southern waterfront. The proposal champions climate resilient reuse, immersive interpretation, and nature first public realm design - boosting biodiversity, volunteer activity, and fundraising while amplifying The Canal River Trust’s mission. The huts’ octagonal form and minimal wall space become a catalyst for inventive micro-programmes, exhibitions, and interactive storytelling. Co-designed with local charities, the scheme looks to delivers a compelling waterfront.

Afra T / Angeline K / Hannah T / Kai T / Marcus W / Shahd S / Veena T / Wan Yee S / Yiran H / Yiran Z / Ziad Amr Yahia Ahmed K

Wan Yee S
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Non-standard Habitats

After completing my undergraduate studies at the Manchester School of Architecture, I undertook my Part 1 in my hometown, contributing to residential and small-scale commercial projects while gaining hands-on experience in design development and coordination.
I am currently part of the Non-Standard Habitats atelier, focusing on carbon-conscious design and material experimentation. Through MSA Live, I am working in a team on a Grade II listed project with the Canal & River Trust, and I look forward to further developing my understanding of heritage contexts and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 15:06
Shahd S
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: &nd Architecture

After completing my BA in Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture, I gained industry experience during my year out across a range of sectors, including residential, community and retail projects. I’m now keen to build on that foundation by working on heritage-led schemes, where my interests are strongest - particularly projects that protect historic fabric while delivering meaningful social value for local communities!
Posted 19 Feb 2026 15:27
Yiran H
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

After completing my undergraduate studies in China and gaining my Part 1 experience through professional practice, I developed a strong interest in how architecture responds to real contexts. An internship in the Nujiang region was especially influential, deepening my understanding of the relationship between nature, landscape, and the built environment. I am currently part of the Infrastructure atelier, exploring architecture through systems, public space, and ecological thinking. Through MSA Live, I am excited to work with the Canal & River Trust on a Grade II listed heritage project and further develop my skills in collaborative design.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 17:06
Yiran Z
Course: MAAR
Atelier: Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

With a five-year undergraduate background in Architecture, my interests focus on adaptive reuse, heritage-led design, and interventions within existing and industrial contexts.
I am participating in MSA Live, a cross-disciplinary collaborative project through which I aim to develop skills in teamwork, professional communication, and design within real-world constraints.
I approach architecture as a contextual and collaborative discipline.
Posted 19 Feb 2026 23:27
Kai T
Course: MArch 1
Atelier: [CPU]Ai

I’ve gained practical studio and placement experience across residential and commercial sectors, supporting work from early concept through to design development and coordination. My current focus is adaptive reuse and future-ready building technologies, especially where digital tools and performance-led design can unlock better retrofit outcomes. I’m interested in combining thoughtful spatial interventions with low-carbon strategies to improve comfort, energy use, and longevity while preserving the character and value of what already exists.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 13:31
Afra T
Course : BA1

Hi, I am Afra from Dhaka, Bangladesh. As a BA architecture student, I have a keen interest in sketching—both freehand and digital. I am deeply passionate about exploring and observing buildings and urban spaces, and I often express these experiences through quick sketches and creative visuals. Photography is a big part of who I am, and I took it as a leisure activity. I love capturing moments through my lens as I roam the streets of the cities around the world.
Posted 20 Feb 2026 19:55
Angeline K
Course: BA1

Hi, my name is Angeline and I'm from Liverpool! I have a keen interest in regenerative projects and adaptive reuse, especially with heritage-based projects which seek to keep the historical contexts of what already exists. I also am interested in how the built environment impacts the community. In terms of skills, I am passionate in sketching, hand-drawings and model-making.
With MSA Live, and while working with the Canal and River Trust, I am looking forward to gain more experience with heritage sites and looking ways in which we can develop our site into something meaningful for the local community, especially since this project is based in my own city!
Posted 20 Feb 2026 21:55
Hannah T
Course: BA1

Hi, my name is Hannah and I am from the Isle of Ely. Throughout my A-Levels and in personal projects, I explored the how the built environment here has been reused and developed further. Due to this, I have a strong interest in how heritage-based projects can maintain its historical context, yet provide a new use. I am excited to work with the River and Canal Trust to expand my knowledge of heritage projects, and understand a new context. Painting is how I express the spatial experience; using the brush to understand what we feel in space. However, through my studies, and in this project, I want to develop further technical and digital skills.
Posted 21 Feb 2026 11:58
Veena T
Course: FDN

Hi I’m Veena and I’m originally from Kurdistan. My biggest interest would be to travel all around the world to see different types of architecture and how it affects the way people live and connect. I enjoy sketching and model making, and I am keen to further learn how to use more digital techniques of designing. I believe designing a structure creates personality and I am very excited to transform Hartley Hutters in to a hot spot for Liverpool.
Posted 21 Feb 2026 12:22
Marcus W
Course: BA1

Hi, my name is Marcus and I am born in Bulgaria. Prior to joining at MSA, I completed my A-Level studies as well as multiple periods of work experience at Foster+Partners. Through this, I have been able to harness a deep interest in the built environment, particularly large, modern retail and residential projects. I am very interested in how architecture reflects real historical and social contexts, which I hope will be of use in this project. My main strengths are in sketching, model making and some CAD softwares.
Throughout this project, I hope to gain knowledge of adaptive reuse projects, a very prominent architectural focus in modern society, and something with which I hope to be involved in the future. I look forward to working with my group in order to create a viable solution for enhancing a promising area along the River Mersey.
Posted 21 Feb 2026 22:15
Ziad Amr Yahia Ahmed K
Course: BA1

Hello, I am Ziad Kandiel. I am Egyptian raised in Saudi Arabia. After a thorough, disciplined yet gilded by creativity and leadership schooling life, which culminated in 4 A-levels and serving as my school's Head boy, I am now studying BA Architecture in the prestigious Manchester School Of Architecture. Architecture to me has always felt like my life's passion and destiny, a calling which was then reinforced further by work experience opportunities in multiple architecture firms in my hometown Jeddah. I have nurtured a particular interest in how architecture serves as a medium of expression and communication, whether conveying culture or heritage, and how the built environment can elevate the human experience. I particularly am drawn to the styles of surrealism, deconstructionism and dynamic structures as they tend to bring forward statements quite clearly and boldly. My strengths are software proficiency, conceptual sketching, final renders, the ability to absorb knowledge and apply it quickly, interpersonal communication and depth of thought. I view my time at MSA, and specifically this current project, as a major opportunity to develop my mindset and create something deeply meaningful for the local residents. Ultimately, this is a stepping stone toward my goal of becoming a world renowned, pioneering architect, designer and statement-maker.
Posted 22 Feb 2026 19:54
Yiran H
Project Kick-off
3 February 2026

Today marked our first official group meeting and the beginning of a collaborative and exploratory journey. We started with a selected ice-breaker activity, which helped everyone get to know each other in a relaxed and engaging way, setting a positive tone for our teamwork. Following that, we held a focused discussion to clarify our working methods, communication styles, and collaborative approaches—laying a clear foundation for how we’ll work together.

In preparation for the client meeting, we reviewed the project brief and compiled a list of questions to better understand the site and its context. Later in the evening, we met with our collaborators: representatives from the Canal & River Trust​. Through an open conversation, we gained a clearer understanding of the Hartley Huts—a pair of Grade II listed structures dating back to 1832—along with the project’s vision, expectations, and the community-centred ambitions for the Albert Dock area. This dialogue helped further define the direction for our research and design.

It has been an inspiring and informative start. Everyone is enthusiastic and looking forward to the journey ahead.

We’ll keep you updated as we progress. Stay tuned!
Posted 4 Mar 2026 16:04
Yiran H
Site Visit to Albert Dock, Liverpool
8 February 2026

On a clear and bright February day, our team took the train together to Liverpool for our first site visit at Albert Dock. The journey was a great chance to bond further, and the lively atmosphere along the waterfront immediately set an inspiring tone for the day.
We walked along the docks, taking in the spatial qualities and surrounding context. The area was vibrant with activity—especially runners passing by—yet we observed that the project site itself currently lacks inviting spaces that encourage people to pause and stay. This insight has already sparked meaningful conversation about how we can reintroduce pause, engagement, and connection into the heritage setting.
We documented views, discussed impressions, and took reference photos before gathering for a group photo at the site—a tangible marker of our first collective field experience.
Back in the studio, we’ll begin translating these observations into initial design approaches.
More updates to come as our research deepens!
Posted 6 Mar 2026 18:47
Yiran H
Developing Our Project Framework
17 February 2026

During today’s session, we focused on advancing several key project components. BA1 students began by sketching draft poster concepts, followed by a full-group discussion to finalise the design direction. We also uploaded recent blog posts and officially launched tasks including the project timeline, ethics application, risk assessment, and budget proposal, using the provided templates as a starting point.
It was a productive and collaborative afternoon—everyone engaged actively, and we’re making clear progress toward our upcoming milestones.
Posted 6 Mar 2026 22:37
Yiran H
Shaping the Project Framework & Design Direction
3 March 2026

In our third group session, we continued developing core project documents—including the Budget Proposal, Ethics Application, Project Timeline, and Risk Assessment—followed by collaborative research into relevant case studies. Through analysis and discussion, we began to shape our design approach and clarify the conceptual logic behind our proposal.
It was a focused and insightful meeting, moving us closer to a coherent and well-structured project foundation.
Posted 6 Mar 2026 22:50
Yiran H
Site Visit to Albert Dock, Liverpool​
3 March 2026

The site visit offered a rare and valuable opportunity to access the Hartley Huts, a Grade II listed heritage structure, which significantly deepened our understanding of the project. Being able to enter the structures allowed us to experience its spatial and material qualities firsthand, beyond what drawings or photographs could convey.

The visit was highly productive, as it sparked a wide range of new ideas and directions for our design. Observing the existing conditions, structure, and atmosphere helped clarify both the potentials and constraints of working within a heritage context. It also made us more aware of the sensitivity required when intervening in such a historically significant site.

Engaging with our collaborators, particularly Canal & River Trust volunteers and Architect Richard Banks, provided valuable professional insight. Conversations with both the architects and the volunteers enriched our understanding of the site’s history, ongoing use, and community value.

Overall, the experience has been extremely helpful in shaping our design approach. It reinforced the importance of on-site engagement and collaboration, and it will directly inform more grounded, context-sensitive proposals moving forward.
Posted 30 Mar 2026 20:38
Yiran H
Finalising Design Directions & Preparing for the Site Meeting​
17 March 2026

In our fourth group session, we focused on consolidating design ideas and planning for the upcoming site meeting on 31 March. The team engaged in detailed brainstorming on the interior spaces of the Hartley Huts, reviewed initial sketches and material studies, and incorporated structured feedback on our project plan from our tutor Jason.

To prepare for the client presentation, we have outlined the following deliverables and divided tasks accordingly. BA1 and Foundation students will take the lead in developing material studies, ramp proposals, and an indicative site plan that highlights key interventions—including the volunteer hub, heritage display hut, bridge upgrades, accessible ramp, seating areas, and seasonal event features.

The goal is to communicate our design intent clearly and gather valuable feedback, which will help us refine the proposals in the coming weeks leading to the final presentation.

We are all set for an insightful client meeting and look forward to sharing our progress!
Posted 30 Mar 2026 20:47
Yiran H
1st Client Meeting--Unlocking the Potential of Hartley Huts
31 March 2026

Today we had our 1st Client Meeting and presented our initial 3D models. The feedback was incredibly positive and gave us a clear direction for the weeks ahead. Here are the key takeaways:

·Phased Strategy ("Bronze/Silver/Gold"): We will present our full vision (the "Killer Image") as the ultimate goal, but also provide scalable options to adapt to different funding levels without losing the site's heritage value.

·Storytelling Facades: To ensure security and engagement when the huts are closed, we will use perforated metal panels. These will act as secure grilles while visually telling the dock's maritime history.

·Flexible Public Realm: The landscape around the ramp will be kept natural and flexible. Instead of fixed functions, it will easily accommodate runners, cyclists, and pop-up events year-round.

We are heading back to the studio to refine our 3D models and prepare for the final presentation in May. Stay tuned!
Posted 12 May 2026 22:56
Yiran H
Action Week D1
11 May 2026

Welcome to Day 1 of our MSA Live Intensive Week! We kicked off this Monday morning by reviewing our core objectives and mapping out the remaining tasks. With the final presentation coming up this Friday, we knew we needed a highly structured approach.

After a productive group discussion in the studio, we officially distributed the workload. Some team members are focusing on finalizing the site plan and 3D modeling, others are crafting detailed architectural sketches on the iPad, and the rest are structuring our final publication in InDesign. The studio is buzzing with energy and focus. It feels incredibly rewarding to see everyone collaborating so effectively. It’s a busy and intense start, but we are fully geared up for the challenge ahead!
Posted 13 May 2026 00:46