11 November 2013
Exploring Dundee's 'active laboratory'
An exploration of the biggest construction project Dundee has seen in a generation and of a pioneering super-energy-efficient
building within the city's Botanic Garden will go on show in the Central Library this month.
The Guildry Geddes New Architecture Exhibition - 'The Central Waterfront & The Botanics' - will be in the Central Library
from November 12th to the 28th. The exhibition is presented by the Guildry of Dundee and Architecture at the University
of Dundee.
It takes the idea of the city as an 'active laboratory' where exciting new ideas in architecture can be developed,
tested and explored.
The two projects on show were winners of the Guildry of Dundee Award this year. They illustrate exploratory ideas
about the spaces and buildings to be created at the central waterfront and the design of a new super-energy-efficient
studio presently being constructed at the entry to Dundee's Botanic Gardens.
Professor Graeme Hutton, Head of Architecture & Planning noted 'The designs were carried out by fifth year students
at the University's School of Architecture as part of their studies. The two projects that feature were winners of Guildry
of Dundee Awards earlier this year and represent a commitment by both the department and The Guildry to utilise Dundee as
an active 'design laboratory' to test new ideas for the benefit of our city.'
The £1billion central waterfront plan aims to transform Dundee into a world-leading waterfront destination for visitors
and businesses through the enhancement of its physical, economic and cultural assets. The exhibit presents work in progress
by students for alternative waterfront proposals, represented through drawings and models.
The Macro Micro Studio was designed and built by a team of architecture and engineering students in the grounds of
the Botanic Garden, utilises ultra-low-energy construction practices to conserve heat with integrated and controlled
technologies for generating, storing and exporting power.
It is the UK's first 'off-grid' building powered entirely by renewable energy and the exhibition presents the design
from inception to its current stage of development on site through drawings, models and recent site photographs.
'The Central Waterfront & The Botanics', takes place at the Central Library from Tuesday 12th to Thursday 28th November.
A public talk about the two projects will take place at the library on Thursday 14th November from 6-8pm. Entry is free and
refreshments will be available.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Guildry
The Guildry Incorporation of Dundee (usually known as "The Guildry") traces its roots back to a Charter of 1199.
The Guildry was Dundee's Merchant Guild and exercised control of trade in the city. Over the years it became responsible
for other important functions such as weights and measures, and building control. These functions have now become the
responsibility of the Local Authority, but the Guildry still remains interested in the city's built environment. For
some years the Guildry has been involved with Architecture and Planning within the School of the Environment initially
sponsoring scholarships in the European Urban Conservation course, and more recently with the work of students and their
design concepts for the City of Dundee.
Guildry Geddes New Architecture Exhibition -
12th to 28th November 2013
Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee
Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm
Free admission
Opening reception and public talk, Thursday 14th November 2013, 6-8pm
Entrance via main door, Victoria Road
Refreshments will be available
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
