The People's Parliament

A new urban forum to pursue social, cultural and political activity for the communities of Glasgow

Architectural Adventure

Before arrival into the department in 2015 during a Strathclyde event titled 'Chalk Talk' I was once asked why I wanted to study architecture and to become an architect. As I'm sure everyone has been asked this at one point in their duration of study, my reason for the journey into the Strathclyde Architecture department was clear and certain since I was a young age. I love to design and I love to help people. My passion for drawing, art, history and design were my strongest assets combined with the need to always offer help to a friend, a stranger or anyone who reached out. Together, I knew I was in the right place with the right people to assist my journey into the field of architecture and design to enable me to build a career that will help and benefit people's lives through the spaces, buildings and cities we use to live, work and explore everyday.

My journey into the department started when I was a student of the City of Glasgow college, studying HND 3D design: Interior design where my interest for more than just internal works and detail was discovered. It was my tutor at the time who encouraged me to try architecture due to my interest in buildings, structure and detailing entire projects in large contexts, scales and detail. Since then, I have embarked on a rollercoaster of a journey that has allowed me to experience a wide range of design, cultural, technical and practical projects across the past 5 years of study with a year out in practice and an incredible 6 month life changing international exchange in Aarhus, Demark. Now, with my undergraduate complete, I am embarking on my next journey to the post graduate and off on another adventure to explore, experience and enjoy designing, researching and learning.

This profile will explore my recently completed project in 4th year 'TO CARE' - A project that explores the importance and significance of communities in Glasgow in relation to the River Clyde and how a building of civic presence can give voice to a community, engaging people with the waterfront and explore sustainable connectivity across the city.

The People's Parliament

The proposed project engages in an investigated journey into the architectural context of Glasgow and the communities that reside along the River Clyde, aiming to understand how a building or place can bring an important civic presence and a 'voice' to the people and communities of Glasgow. In response to the project brief, research and investigation was undertaken to establish key factors that were crucial to ensuring a suitable urban strategy, site and building typology were chosen to assist the people and city of Glasgow.

   two main axis routes are acknowledged, the North South axis of Buchanan Street and the East West axis along Clyde street adjacent to the River that enable the creation of a green route into the city centre and important public space and civic architectural form to be grounded at the site adjacent to the historically significant Custom house. The integrated building proposal, green route, city centre and the river Clyde connections are strengthened by creating a continuous line from the top of Buchanan street to the frontage of the river by pedestrianizing parts of Clyde street. By eliminating part of the road, the division between the city, the river and the space is  removed and a sustainable connection is established. The area has been developed into quality public gardens and creates a strengthened fluid access to and from the city and the river via either direction. The routes are injected with natural greenspaces, public zones for congregation and general meeting and activity areas for complete public use. 

    The development process undertaken that has directed the project aims to provide spaces to support the local and traditional cultures, history, heritage and events that allow the public to participate, operate and learn from. The final proposal takes the form of a series of forum spaces, revolving around public orientation, that serve various functions under the needs of the city and the people. The inspiration for the project involved a continues process of studying and analysing the works of Mies Van Der Rohe, Alvar Aalto and David Chipperfield understanding the principles of 'freespace', creating character, atmosphere and beautiful spaces for the people of Glasgow. The building offers a civic and cultural programme that engages with the citizens on an education, cultural and political level, enabling people to learn, grow and be heard. Whether it is attending an event, gathering to meet friends or sitting down to discuss personal or join in public debates, the building and the programme is tailored to function to the community needs. The building aims to offer experiences and journeys into the history, heritage, culture and political change of Glasgow and by giving the building a status of a ‘city chamber’ people’s parliament status, the people will be in power and will be heard as they use the spaces provided for their own and surrounding fellow citizen needs.