Hello! My name is Olivia, and I am currently a Master of Architecture student in the Continuity atelier. I have been a student at the Manchester School of Architecture since my undergraduate days, and so Manchester has become my second home since then!

During my time off, I love to get lost in fictional worlds and draw to my heart's contempt. I hope with this project I can provide some of my creative ideas, and in combination with my experience in the healthcare sector, add my two cents in creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for the homeless as they transition to independence and start their new journey ahead.

Day 3:

Building off our site analysis, each group on Day 3 began developing their design proposals for the site. We began testing the spatial arrangements for each 'accommodation unit', learning about the spacial requirements needed and thinking about what amenities are required to help the homeless live independently and start getting back on their feet.

Students then began creating 'site strategy plans' to further develop their designs, coming up with basic massing forms, and establishing the relationships between the accommodation units and the other elements of the site - testing and defining the boundary between private and public.

Day 4:

Today's activities kicked off with further refinement of each massing iteration developed on day 3. In the morning we started reviewing the 3 different options created, and worked on developing these with considerations such as access points, refuse disposal areas and fire strategies.

Using simple tools, we started to arrange each living unit on a site plan, to best test each possible arrangement to maximise the site's potential. The day ended with two strong proposals, with each design beginning to be fleshed out with exterior sketches and floor plans.

Day 7:

As we start to wrap up MSA Live, we continued working on the final outputs, creating key interior and exterior views for each option and refining the site plans to demonstrate each site strategy. As we began to finish the feasibility study, we spent the afternoon reviewing our past portfolios with the students, reflecting on how we applied for jobs after completing a part 1 degree, and sharing experiences from working in practice.

Day 8:

With most of the outputs complete, we begin wrapping up MSA Live by adding the all the work into the publication.
This publication encompasses the 'Street Root' journey we took, and how the design has developed from initial site analysis studies to 2 conceptual designs - providing a potential design and place to live for the homeless to transition into independence.

FINAL DESIGNS : OPTION 01

Option one reflects a semi-private arrangement, with the primary focus on a central courtyard. Two entrances connect the accommodation to the church and the public pathway, with the main entrance being framed with an arch, reminiscent of the church’s existing vernacular.

Exterior arcades create a boundary between the private and public realm, and external walkways on the first floor allow a opportunity for social connections between residents and those in the courtyard below.

FINAL DESIGNS: OPTION 02

In Option 2, the ground floor blocks are broken up and unified on the first floor, featuring an open-air courtyard. This layout encourages plenty of ventilation and air circulation, and each unit receives ample sunlight from all sides.
The first floor provides cover for the areas below and serves as a overbridge. The church, youth center, and accommodation buildings are all interlinked by the glazed reception block, which serves as the focal piece, enhancing the site's cohesiveness and inclusivity.