Common Notes: Professional Studies Marking Semester 1, at MSA

We’re currently marking Semester 1 portfolios. Today, we’re looking at Finley’s attached portfolio, developed as part of the AND atelier's PS1 brief in Sheffield.

Finley’s project focuses on Spartan Works, a site in Attercliffe undergoing regeneration. As part of the brief, Finley met with key local actors, including Food Works Sheffield, Heeley City Farm, CADS, and Portland Works. These meetings helped him understand the needs and aspirations of the people his design would serve. His project aims to provide a shared space for these groups and the wider community, combining education, sustainability, and social value.

Here are the main design principles that shaped Finley’s work:

• Client-Centered Design: Finley’s design responds directly to the needs of his actors, providing a flexible space for Food Works Sheffield to host workshops, grow food, and redistribute surplus produce.

• Adaptive Reuse: The design transforms the existing building into a dynamic hub, preserving its industrial character while introducing modern functionality.

• Sustainability: It integrates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and a focus on circular economies, ensuring the design is both efficient and environmentally conscious.

• Community and Education: Spaces are tailored for workshops, social gatherings, and educational programs, empowering local children and families to learn about food and sustainability.

• Material Reuse and Degrowth: Finley prioritised reusing existing materials, such as bricks and steel, and designed with only the necessary elements, reducing environmental impact.

Finley’s project is a fantastic example of how design can connect people, support local initiatives, and transform underused spaces into vibrant community assets. It’s exciting to see students like Finley applying these principles with such care and thoughtfulness.