Elgin locals explore hopes for their town in V&A Dundee architectural exhibition 'What if…?/Scotland'
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ELGIN will feature in a new architectural exhibition opening at the V&A Dundee this month – showcasing some of its beautiful architecture, its people and its potential.
"What if…?/Scotland" explores the relationship communities have with their built environment.
The project, commissioned by the Scotland + Venice partnership, is the creation of Edinburgh-based 7N architects, Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) and a number of local partners.
Initially started in 2019, it paired five Elgin locals with five architects and designers to discuss how they would improve the spaces where they live and what their hopes, wishes and aspirations for the future are.
The designer responded by proposing a way to make the hopes a reality – asking "What if…?/".
The whole process was filmed by film-maker Basharat Khan.
During a walking tour in Elgin, the locals discussed a number of areas they’d like to see developed. They were all keen to see a thriving High Street.
They also discussed ways in which the town can be sustainable both environmentally and by providing young people with opportunities so that they don’t need to leave in order to grow.
Student Jennifer Evans showed Niamh O’Reilly, from 7N, around the area of Elgin she spends time in. She felt that the sense of community wasn’t what it should be and wanted to consider how empty buildings, such as Grant Lodge, could be used to bring people together from all generations.
The group also discussed whether there could be ways to use empty High Street units for entrepreneurs to test out business ideas, encouraging and inspiring young people to stay.
Local Christy Bollard and engineer Claire Hope considered how revitalising the Plainstones area could bring the community together. This would provide a space for events and festivals, but also with the use of imaginative lighting, it could generate an evening culture that would create a buzz in the centre.
Heather Claridge, principal design officer at A&DS, said: "Through a walking tour, the participants shared their thoughts and stories of different places in the historic centre, including Cooper Park and the main streets and lanes. This gave an opportunity to delve deeper into the participants’ issues and aspirations for Elgin.
"The group discussion revealed there was much commonality in the town’s current challenges including the sense of community, poor physical connections and a lack of activation of spaces, particularly after dusk. The exchange between the designers and participants also provided a chance to consider the council’s aim to be carbon neutral over the next 10 years.
"At the workshop, the designers helped the participants to see their local surroundings with new possibilities.
"Conversely the participants shaped briefs for the designers which responded to the lived experiences of local people."
Elgin was one of five communities taking part in the project alongside Annan, Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, Paisley and Lerwick.
Recurrent themes included regeneration of lost and iconic buildings, closed shops in high streets, community spirit, pride in local areas and how to create accessible meeting spaces.
The exhibition will run from May 22 to November 21, and entry is free. Booking is open at www.vam.ac.uk/dundee.
There will also be an interactive installation, the Cloud of Dreams, where anyone attending the exhibition can submit their wish for their place.
