A Dundee student is turning to members of the public to help redesign and reinvigorate the Seabraes Yards.
Rachel Wright, currently studying at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), is wanting community input for her degree show project.
She was inspired to re-imagine what the yards could look like after a design competition was held by the Dundee Institute of Architects (DIA) last year during the nationwide Festival of Architecture.
That contest, open throughout November, was open to schools, the general public and professionals to create a space, building or both for children and young people.
The former railway goods yard is now renowned for expertise in digital media and creative industries.
A new railway footbridge was completed at Seabraes in 2016, connecting the regeneration area to Dundee’s riverside.
Rachel said: “The reason I have chosen this site as my design focus is due to the active dialogue surrounding the space. First of all, the space is envisioned to be an area where creative industries can set up, with district 10 currently based here.
“Secondly, the Festival of Architecture released a competition brief during the summer looking for the public to design a building or public space within the Seabraes site which would benefit the youth of the city.
“Being a Dundonian myself, I feel very passionate about the project, especially due to Dundee’s growing creative culture and UNESCO presence. As a designer I felt this part of the waterfront scheme needed re-imagined.
“As a designer it is important to design for the user not just yourself. This way of design thinking is very successful and allows strong community developments within cities. Everyone’s voice should be heard and appreciated.”
She added: “Teams will be given service design worksheets which will probe participants to brainstorm ideas for the city. The task asks participants to think of personas and users who will benefit from the site and the spacial functions which will create an exciting user experience. An informal pitch from each team will be encouraged, stating what they think the site could become, presenting energetic worksheets, creative dialogue and collaborative sketching. Overall the workshop is about having fun, designing for your city and local networking.”
Rachel’s workshop will take place on Saturday.
The 90 minute sessions is being held in the Dalhousie Building at Dundee University within room G105 from 1pm.
The workshop will also be filmed for assessment purposes.
Anyone with any questions can contact rachel.wright03@hotmail.co.uk or visit the workshop’s Eventbrite page.
