Pollokshields is known for its cultural scene, diversity, and strong, flourishing communities. However, there is not much room for interaction between the communities, nor a strong connection to the rest of Glasgow, except for the Tramway. The Food Market and Nutrition Centre creates a node which transcends religious and cultural borders where different communities can come together and learn from each other, while also showcasing their culture to the rest of Glasgow, encouraging cohesion and understanding.

The Food Market will consist of a street food hall and a restaurant with an à la carte menu so that the food can be experienced in different settings and for different occasions. The Nutrition Centre will work in close partnership with the members and users of the Food Market, allowing for administration and business support. It will also invite the citizens of Glasgow to learn about health and sustainable lifestyles in relation to food, which will address both national health concerns and the climate emergency while also supporting local economies.

The railway will allow for easier transport of goods, while also being a sustainable transport method for visitors. An accessible and inclusive access to the station will also be included.

CULINARY DIPLOMACY

Food can be seen as the universal language, and the concept of Culinary Diplomacy will create and strengthen community bonds, providing a shared platform for the exchange of knowledge and traditions; a space where the residents can celebrate and share their cultural heritage.

Through food-related activities and services such as events, workshops and street food, the residents can come together as one, emphasising a sense of belonging. This also creates an opportunity for the citizens of Glasgow to explore and understand the core of Pollokshields, offering an opportunity to experience other cultures and international cultural scenes. By highlighting and joining the existing diversity and cultural differences, Pollokshields becomes a natural destination for the exploration of culture and food, promoting mutual understanding between the citizens of Glasgow.

IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH

The purpose of the Nutrition Centre is to uplift public health in Glasgow while also addressing the climate emergency. Today, around 11 000 hospital admission is directly related to obesity, and with 76% of British children consuming excess amounts of salt, and 67% of the adult UK population classified as overweight (by only looking at BMI), promoting healthier living is urgent. Through research, education, and workshops on the business of food, the Glasgow citizens can learn about nutrition and sustainable living, or even how to start their own food-based business. Furthermore, food is currently contributing to 1/4 of the UK’s carbon footprint, underscoring the need for sustainable food practices The nutrition centre could empower the community to be confident in healthier choices while also supporting local economies and reducing their environmental impact.

The Nutrition Centre will be collaborating with the Food Market, encouraging culinary innovation and help showcasing the cultural traditions of food. The collaboration allows for creativity and business improvements, but also raise awareness of healthier and sustainable lifestyles. The Food Market will also benefit from the nearby railway which facilitates for the import and export of goods, enhancing the business operations in a sustainable way. The railway also creates easier visits for the rest of Glasgow, promoting sustainable ways of travel.

According to information provided by the government and Southside Housing Association, Pollokshields and its diverse community is faced with overcrowded dwellings and segregated neighbourhoods.

The design proposal is focusing on creating a vibrant and inclusive residential community with room for change and flexibility. The existing dwellings on St Andrews Crescent are small, with narrow transit zones and little private outdoor space. The retrofit aims to turn the flats into lighter spaces with room for change. The retrofit is designed to accommodate a range of living constellations with the overall strategy rooted in inclusivity and the general well-being of the residents.

The newly built dwellings are designed to accommodate various family constellations and different levels of mobility but with focus on elderly or families with special needs. The aim is to allow everyone to live comfortable without barriers in their home. The mix of one and three bedrooms is to accommodate and recognise the diverse needs and as a response to the report from Southside Housing Association.

The space and distinction between the private and the public has been a key driver for this project. The project aims to prioritising privacy and independence but with close access to social interactions to encourage a sense of belonging. Communal spaces and gardens have been added, with a public staircase as a meeting point for the inhabitants. Together with new public space on the ground floor, this creates a buffer zone between the public and the private, a place for social interactions and communal activities.

The project’s overall concept is to create an area where living in agreement comes naturally, where the private and the public can exist in symbiosis, and its inhabitants can live in harmony with each other, recognising the values of social interaction between people with different intersections.