28 June 2011

Architecture students map the future of building design

Picture shows one of student Seamus Bourke's designs and should be credited to Seamus if used

Designs for a new Cartographic Institute by architecture students at the University of Dundee are currently being exhibited at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The NLS’s existing Map Library is situated at Causewayside in the historic Old Town, and the theoretical project, which challenged the fourth-year students to design a replacement, formed the main component of their design coursework.

The students were taken on a tour of the current premises and were given an expert insight into the history of cartography and cartographic processes. They then researched various aspects that define the character of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and each created a map of the city from their data. These maps had to incorporate the potential sites for the building and were used to help inform their designs.

The result is a series of strikingly attractive and original artworks, designs, and plans for this new building, along with new maps of Edinburgh, which form the ‘Housing Paper Worlds: a new architecture for cartography’’ exhibition. The 11 proposals will remain on display in the current building until 26th August.

Tim Ingleby, Architecture Studio Tutor at the University, said engagement with cartography challenged students to consider not just building design but also wider issues connected with its purpose and content.

'Such is the power of maps that they have successfully been used as powerful propaganda tools, expressions of local pride, tools of indoctrination, and much more,' he said.

'This, along with more recent technological developments, is rapidly reshaping not just how we interact with maps but our very perception of them, and suggests numerous potential architectural lines of enquiry for a new Cartographic Institute.

'This was an excellent experience for the students. Chris Fleet, Senior Map Curator at the National Library of Scotland paid several visits to the University to play the role of the client, helping to simulate a real-life working environment the students might not otherwise experience within an academic context.

'The 11 maps were created by the students to develop a cultural, economic, historical, architectural, and geographic understanding of the city. Building in the Old Town of Edinburgh poses specific challenges for architects but their solutions display a diverse range of imaginative and engaging designs for contemporary buildings within the historic fabric of the city.'

The NLS has an extensive collection of maps dating from the 18th century to the present day, and the project challenged the students to consider the exhibition space within as well as the aesthetic qualities of the exterior and existing built environment.

‘Housing paper Worlds: a new architecture for cartography’ is held at the National Library of Scotland, 159 Causewayside, Edinburgh until Friday, 26th August. Admission is free.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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