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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Final day of MSA Live
15/5/2026

Morning rehearsals, final timing checks, and one last run-through before the 3pm presentation in the lecture theatre. We closed the day with pizzas, coffees, and drinks, using our remaining budget to sit together one last time. A small celebration marking the end of the journey, and everything that came with it.