Commendations
1. Comrie Colliery Masterplan
Nominees
Heriot-Watt University
Entrants
John Daly, Andrew Jarvie, Suvaj Mohanty, Tesi Shu, Lynne Stevendale (2nd Year Postgraduate students)
Description
The aim of this work was to prepare a masterplan for a new settlement on brownfield land in Fife, which had previously been used by the mining industry. The work was presented in a series of display boards which graphically showed the proposed masterplan and design details.
Judges' comments
The Judges felt this entry was successful at portraying a sense of place. They were pleased to learn of the group's enthusiastic engagement with the local community, and it was believed that the quality of the graphics used helped in illustrating the design ideas and aspirations. Some strong artistic capability was evident in the sketches and conceptual diagrams. Likewise, the selection of quality images to demonstrate best practice was praised. The design's creation of a distinct centre with high-density development, a focus on a community facility and a mix of uses was welcomed. Contemporary themes of sustainability were a key component of the proposal including low carbon building, use of renewable technologies and Home Zones, demonstrating a keen awareness of current green influences. The Judges did question however, the relation of the urban block layout to the rural context. Overall, it was recognised that a significant amount of thought and effort had gone into this project.
COMMENDATION
2. Scottish & Newcastle Brewery Site Design Brief
Nominees
Heriot-Watt University
Entrants
David Givan, Stephen Gow, Les Huckfield, Europah Karley, Noon Malik, Steven McLaren, Nicola Warkman (1st Year Postgraduate students)
Description
The aim of this project was to produce a design brief for a major opportunity site on brownfield land near the centre of Edinburgh which could be used as supplementary planning guidance for developers, designers and planners.
Judges' comments
It was considered that this piece of work contained an extensive and comprehensive range of information, brought together in a coherent structure with a consistent writing style. The Judges highlighted that the brief contained a series of relevant diagrams and felt it was evident that a lot of thinking had taken place. The team's analysis came up with a coherent design solution. In particular, the brief was successful in creating a series of distinct places which allowed people to move through easily, and enjoy the experience of the space. In developing the design proposal, consideration was given to the urban grain and the neighbouring residential areas as well as the proximity to the city centre. Diagrams had been adapted to the site's particular characteristics, showing an awareness of the need to tailor responses to the context. The Judges' only concern was that, overall, design briefs are generally shorter and more succinct.
COMMENDATION