The ‘’To Gather” Project (AB208) was to design a Gathering Space for 80 people. We had an existing building (St Andrews Sailing Club) and the choice of 3 clients to choose from. I chose The Sailing Club itself. As part of my design process I wanted to keep the original sailing club as much as possible with an extension which contains the gathering space. My designs concept is almost a ‘box within box’ design. The smaller box is almost ‘floating’ which is a space for 80 people to gather for lectures, study or meetings with a view looking down to the boat storage area where the boats can be admired as well as a spectacular view of East Sands Beach.

The ‘To Share’ Library Project (AB210) is to design a student study library. The Library entails specific programme analysis including a reading room for students, a place to study and read together as well as connecting accomodation for visitors / guest speakers. Natural lighting, materiality and overall finish should play a big part to the architectural design of the library. The building should be energy efficient by responsibly sourced materials and operations of the building. The design of the external landscape and surrounding area should also be considered throughout the process. The Library will be accessible for disabled users by use of a lift enabling them to easily exit and enter the building. The building should become part of the context to the chosen site allowing students, public, locals and visitors to enjoy.

At the start of my project I had options of 3 sites to design my library on, I picked ‘The Pends’ site. My reason for this was there is a large amount of open green space, the site is south facing allowing maximum sunlight, the site is very interesting because of its historical background, as well as having a peaceful and quite atmosphere which is an ideal location for a library. A key aspect of the project was to think about environmental strategy's and sustainability. Through finding precedents I was able to research sustainable materials relating to my design, allowing me to gain a better understanding of different methods and techniques to work towards a passivhaus. The initial concept to my design was a new ‘castle’ ruin creating new cloisters to reflect on the monastic context. So having this in mind I wanted my design to be minimalistic on elevations facing St Andrews Cathedral keeping the sensitivity of the site. My design comprises of the aesthetic of an extremely thick wall with built in study carrels, allowing views out to the Cathedral Ruins. The materials I chose for this was EcoCocoon modules and Rammed Earth that both serve to reinforce the architectural concept of inhabited walls as well as meeting the carbon reduction targets. To contrast with the thick rammed earth wall I chose to use the material Scotlarch which is locally sourced timber which provides a durable, natural and cost-effective cladding. Providing a sense of calm to the overall appearance as well as keeping the sensitivity and delicacy of the site.