MSA Stage 4 School of Architecture
Ayopo Olatunji
THE MAKING
Urban Building
I designed The Making, an open community workshop in Thornwood, Glasgow. It aims to serve primarily the children and families of Thornwood while also welcoming artists and adults.
The goal is to provide a space for circular economy, parent-child bonding, multicultural exposure, cultural and artistic enrichment, a sense of belonging, creativity, learning, social skills building, and essential services and support. The making will offer opportunities
to learn and play, as well as exhibitions and open workshops for booking, product redesign, and reuse connections to nature.
Sustainable Materials and Construction Techniques: Given the emphasis on the circular economy and connections to nature, architectural technology should use sustainable materials and construction techniques. This could involve employing low-impact construction methods such as modular or prefabrication and implementing passive design strategies to minimise energy consumption during construction.
Despite its narrow urban site, the building is designed to foster a sense of self-exploration and empowerment through the design. The form invites movement and flow between levels, from more private parent-child spaces to open galleries and creative studios. Its form will utilise and provide abundant natural light to space while acting as a sculptural piece.
THORNWOOD QUADRANT
Urban Building
The goal is to retrofit the single-bed flats in the Thornwood quadrant into a more multi-purpose space and add ten new construction units, creating a vibrant community hub that prioritises socialisation.
Through extensive research on Material Cultures and occupied tectonics in Thornwood, we delved into design elements such as scale, volume, proportion, circulation, and materials. This exploration unveiled the area’s history and structural composition, leading us to recognise the underutilised potential between buildings and the lack of amenities.
Inspired by Jan Gehl’s “Woonerf” concept, we implemented strategies to enhance street accessibility and create engaging communal spaces. Reflecting on our design decisions, we identified further innovation and enhancement opportunities.
My commitment to this project involved thoroughly examining the existing buildings’ material compositions and floor plans, shedding light on residents’ lives and interactions. I aimed to promote connectivity and community engagement by integrating the “Woonerf” concept within the site’s interior.
I maintained a series of vital questions as my guiding compass throughout the design process. Can spaces be optimised to enhance privacy or foster social interactions? Can we source materials with minimal carbon emissions? Is there room for biodiversity within this built environment? These questions ensured a thoughtful, thriving, and holistic approach to the Thornwood site, resulting in a community space that fosters connection, sustainability, and well-being.
MacMag 49
Transgression
This year’s edition seeks to explore the theme of transgression. By definition, transgression is an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offence. However, the process of creating this year’s edition has shown us that the term is a lot more nuanced in its application and transgressive acts can take on many forms. We interpret transgression as a polarised form of change, acknowledging the diverse ways architects and designers challenge the status quo, the built environment, and the socio-political sphere.
In this edition, we look to explore ways in which the arts and architecture are critical of practice, education, and politics by creating new ways of living and working through systematic change.
A decade on from the independence referendum, Scotland has evolved into a much more politically engaged country which continues to feel the effects of a post-Brexit hangover. Glasgow, in particular, upholds its proud reputation of being a hotspot for cultivating political activism and championing social justice for all.
Taking inspiration from the city we all share, we explore the questions…
When do you choose to be transgressive? How do you choose which form of transgression is appropriate? How do you sustain it?
Transgression addresses a multiplicity of contemporary notions about what architecture is, what it should be and what its future might be. We hope this edition will act as a catalyst to continue the discourse started in this publication.
