Stage 6

Design Statement

Exploring the impact that the proposed bridge will have on the town of Stromness in Orkney and how this could potentially improve the town and further influence the architectural style of the masterplan.

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Orkney has a growing population of young people who wish to stay on the island and build a life and professional career at home. However, there is a significant lack of housing available and new developments are being produced at a reduced rate. Young people are being forced to move away to the mainland in search of jobs and houses or are having to live a home with their parents. This results in a lack of independence for the younger population and no opportunities for these individuals to thrive and build a life for themselves.
 

This project aims to allow young adults to live independently and socialise with people of the same demographic. This housing scheme will provide co-living facilities for the independent young people of Orkney. The proposal aims to be sustainably effective while still trying to keep a strong sense of community and provide the town with a design that will help to improve the local lifestyle and appeal of the town. With the intention of combating the very apparent issue with the lack of housing for young adults in Orkney, to create a dense interactive living space where people are drawn to the waterfront  socialise.

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The concept will be situated on the old pier that used to be occupied by the old ferry terminal at the opening of the bridge in the center of Stromness overlooking the water. The proposal will continue the masterplan research, developing a possible evolution of architecture within Stromness. This design proposal will also display how the design of the bridge has influenced the style of architecture as the town continues to grow. This design consists of 5 co-living flats located on the first floor. Each flat offers single rent-able rooms facing east to the water. These private spaces are positioned around a central open plan shared living space with a recessed external terrace. This aim to encourage the resident to interact with each other and make use of the different communal space that are incorporated into this design. All the flats have a secure and private access with a stair core with a lift that lead to the entrance. The ground floor level comprises a slightly smaller floor area to increase the external public space and reduce the impact that the structure may have on the surrounding landscape and site. On the west side of the pier there is a clear public walkway leading down to the point of the pier where a restaurant and external seating area / view point is situated. This walkway will also allow for the continued access of the local fishing boat, where the fishermen can make use of the washing facilities and fishery office that is position in the plan. The ground floor plan primarily consists of different retail units, a gym, cafe and restaurant, all to encourage interaction and places for the residents to meet and socialise. It is intended that these spaces provided will offer a range of communal facilities for all resident use and enjoy.

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The project aims to combat the need for more housing on Orkney, to allow the younger generation to live independently and interact with other people of the same age and interests. Maintaining the strong sense of community and providing the town with a design that will help to improve the local lifestyle and appeal of the Stromness encouraging more people to stay on the island.