A free exhibition opening today will feature 'blue-sky' transformations of Leith Walk.
The work on display is by around 15 MSc students at Edinburgh University's School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture working on the Advanced Sustainable Design programme there.
Their aim has been to come up with 'sustainable, environmentally responsive buildings and neighbourhoods', using community consultation to reach solutions for the many opportunities and challenges in the area.
‘Students were fortunate to have conversations with a range of local community members,' writes Lisa Moffitt, Course Instructor. 'This has allowed them to gain insights into social issues that, as non-locals, it would have been very difficult to attain otherwise. Issues tied to historical and future development in Leith are complex, and engaging with local stakeholders did not reduce this complexity, but it did offer valuable insights and allowed students to interact more directly "on the ground"'.
'This grass-roots involvement was facilitated by the Making the Most of Masters Initiative,' Diane Gill, the Project Coordinator, told Spurtle. 'It's a Scottish Funding Council scheme which aims to improve cooperation between universities and outside organisations by supporting 'real-life' assignments. It's hoped that such interactions will enhance the employability of our students and give employers a closer link to universities.'
'Sustainable Transformations: Leith Walk' will run until Thursday 31 May, 10am–5pm, at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street.
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