A Hebridean Pilgrimage: Self-reflection through nature
The journey through the course has provided a platform to translate thoughts into design concepts. I have explored about biodiversity loss during the times climate change in my 5A, to come to an understanding where it must be seen that the future design of our spaces and infrastructure should be based on methods that are beneficial not just to humans but also to the natural world. Choosing Isle of Iona as my point of focus the journey continued to be a further exploration of the place creating a modern day pilgrimage through nature.
Project Description: The radical ecological changes which are consequences of human interventions must be tackled through design that is beneficial not just to humans but also to the natural world. This exploration of how to bridge the gap between the built and the natural environment is the ethos behind the project.
Drawing seekers from far and beyond with its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage; the Hebridean island of Iona paves way for a “New age pilgrimage”. This pilgrimage is a homage to nature, creating a sense of awareness and respect for the surrounding. At various points of interest from arrival to departure a traveller can experience solace.
The intent is to propose a community led initiative that promotes the idea of co-living of man and his surroundings, keeping education & community at the core. The centre for learning is a welcoming feature to tourists and islanders alike. This could further create a network amongst neighbouring islands to promote circular economy.
On the one hand it advocates circular economy through seaweed farming and education for the islanders, while on the other it promotes visitors to embark upon a journey of self-exploration through the poetic experiences that the place has to offer.
Embarking upon this voyage, brings in a subtle yet profound sense of symbiosis between nature and self.
Site Context
Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides is home to tourist destinations for spiritual retreats because of the Abbey & its importance in Celtic Christianity. The proposed pilgrimage path encapsulates the essence of the place and stretches beyond the Abbey. On the northern part of the island is the chosen site, with a series of places of interest along the way.
Pilgrimage Path
This pilgrimage is a homage to nature, creating a sense of awareness and respect for the surrounding. A visitor to the island embarks upon a voyage that goes beyond the Abbey, through nature as a modern day pilgrimage. Embarking upon this voyage, brings in a subtle yet profound sense of symbiosis between nature and self. A pilgrim on this modern day pilgrimage gets to experience the poetic experience of land and sea through design.
Seaweed: Connecting Land and Sea
Tourism is a main source of income for the islanders and with the onset of a pandemic this has been disrupted. By creating a circular economy this can be tackled, thus providing a source of income. Encouraging aquaculture and sustainable seaweed farming is a create this concept. This can promote Iona as a centre that upholds history, local produce and sustainability, through the means of seaweed, which can further be used as an architectural solution. A network amongst the Hebridean islands can be created further.
Centre for Learning
The proposed learning centre is a place that keeps the community of islanders from migrating into the mainland as weekly boarders. Keeping education and community at the core, co-living between man and surroundings is encouraged.
Centre for Learning
Large outdoor spaces overlooking the sea amd offering stunning views of the abbey is created. One can take a moment to absorb all that they saw at the Abbey and experience spirituality through nature from this point.
Site Plan
Centre for Learning: Plan and Section
Centre for Learning