Work by Lauren Jenkins – architectural assistant at Aberdeen-based architectural practice JAMstudio – has been selected to be presented at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh as part of the New Contemporaries Exhibition 2015.
The Robert Gordon University student, who recently passed her master of architecture course with distinction, completed her thesis on using a radical approach of high-density design to empty and run-down areas in Peterhead.
This was part of a wider collaborative team project that investigated the creation of “resilient towns”.
The curated annual exhibition, which focuses on emerging architects and artists in Scotland, is expected to run in the first quarter of 2015.
Lauren said: “My research focused heavily on the implementation of higher-density housing through various housing styles and designs, utilising the idea of creating a sense of place and community as a catalyst for bringing people back to the town centre.
“By doing so, it looks to combat the current trend of low-density suburban sprawl. Drawing inspiration from areas such as Aberdeen’s Footdee and other contemporary housing schemes in the UK and abroad, I created a series of sheltered and intimate spaces that encourage social interaction and aspire to generate a strong sense of community.”
Lauren said the outline proposal for the project involved repopulating and increasing the density of empty or rundown spaces in the Buchan town.
“This was achieved by making a series of tower houses, which provide views over the harbour and town, while also creating interesting and more vibrant pedestrian pathways at lower levels,” she said.
“The scheme aims to accommodate a variety of different households by incorporating a mix of sizes from individual dwelling towers with private rooftop terraces to flats and maisonettes.
“The project aims to raise questions of how closely we can live together comfortably and in what formats. I’m very excited that my work has been selected to feature in such a prestigious exhibition, and can’t wait to hear what people think about it.”
Marie-Louise Dunk, chartered architect and director at JAMstudio, said: “We are extremely proud to have exceptionally talented staff working with us here at the practice. For Lauren to be returning as a part 2 architectural assistant with such successes behind her is outstanding and we look forward to continuing to nurture her talent and helping her apply it in practice as she strives towards her chartered status.”
Rias-chartered JAMstudio is working on a variety of residential and commercial architectural projects around the city and counts Dana Petroleum, Duncan and Todd and Blue Water Shipping among its commercial clients.
For more information on the students’ current vision for Peterhead, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/news/rgu-architecture-students-unveil-vision-for-future-of-peterhead