DUNDEE, UK

Academic | Archive & Research Centre

Dundee, Scotland | 2011

BRIEF

A New Historical Hub in a once industrially prosperous area of the city of Dundee

This proposal refers to issues of urban planning and architecture on a site of social interest. Through a quotidian reality, the brief intends to draw comparisons with Chiado's urban park, by the architect Alvaro Siza, in the metropolitan area of Lisbon. The aim is to highlight the implications and solutions that such urban shifts of conservation areas can provide. Thus, supporting data and three-dimensional simulations of scenarios should assist in better understanding these two cases, one real and one hypothetical. Such comparisons are more didactic than a confirmation of an ideal spatiality, although the gains are noticeable in the development of Siza's intervention in Lisbon.

The conceptual approach reflects the character of the city and pays homage to the people who once worked in the High Mill. The design will accommodate an archive that revolutionises the way we research and educate. It will specialise in making genealogical, local history and innovative documentation accessible. One of the aspirations for this aesthetically 'brutal' building was to make users reflect upon the harsh industrial environment that modelled the character of the city. The extensively contrasting use of timber is to soften the coldness of the applied masonry, and equally to serve as a bridge between past and present industrial buildings. This archive will home Dundee City Council‘s documents, the University of Dundee archive, the D'Arcy Thompson Collection, D.C Thomson archive and the Alliance Trust archive. It will also support and work in conjunction with Brightsolid-Friends Reunited, Tay Valley Family History Society and the Polish-Scottish Diaspora. It will specialise in making genealogical, local history and innovative documentation accessible. The provision of accommodation for international researchers will make this archive unique.

By creating a historical and cultural centre for Dundee we aim to:

• Rediscover a lost piece of history

• Regenerate a forgotten area of the city

• Rebuild a new identity for Dundee

• Raise awareness of unique historic material by increasing accessibility

By providing:

• An archive store

• Spaces for genealogical research

• Paper Conservation Studio

• Exhibition spaces: Permanent and changing

• Educational and interactive facilities (classroom, workshops, cinema)

• Spaces of particular identity

• Retail: food, literature etc.

(Rui's Bachelor of Architecture thesis at University of Dundee)

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BACKGROUND