The Living Edge
Sophia Rusinova 2020
Team Role: Sophia Rusinova: Design & Visualisations
Urban Density Among Gardens
In the past years the master students of Unit 1 have undertaken masterplanning redevelopments of different areas in Aberdeen City. In 2018 Unit 1, in their Stage 5, created design proposal for the Aberdeen Harbour HRPU, in 2019 Unit 1 Stage 5, in which we have been involved, created masterplan proposal for the full length of the waterfront of the city, The Living Edge. In 2020, the current Stage 5 designed masterplan for the Aberdeen Beach Boulevard, leading from the city centre to the waterfront, The Living Fabric. Currently in Stage 6 semester 2 this Thesis group work is to revisit, redevelop and reflect on all the design work put together and create new vision including the listed above and intersect them with the individual design work create in our Stage 6 semester 1 in relation to the masterplan.
The goal of our Masterplan Group is to redevelop the Aberdeen Waterfront and develop design for new Living Edge for the city that creates very clear transition, but and boundary, between urban and natural. It intends to revitalise the city’s identity and introduce improved areas for culture, job opportunities and activities. The new edge pulls away the city from the water to protect it from climate change consequences, as gradual flooding, and to create the opportunity for development of wildlife and inspirational landscaping. The new Living Edge is to attract and pull in people from the centre of Aberdeen towards the edge and to create journey for any visitor reviving the beach live.
Design approach includes the idea of creating high urban density that is nested among gardens, living on an edge full of gardens in green sustainable way.
The scene is set for development of new and exciting cultural developments, sport facilities, educational facilities, research institutes, housing and commercial zones that respond to the needs of the modern society and sets new opportunities for employment for the young apart from the oil industry.