LOCH ON WOOD
LOCHWINNOCH, SCOTLAND
GPS:
55°47'18.5"N 4°37'07.4"W
Typology:
Visitor centre
Year: 2023
Type: Academic
Tutors: James Robertson, Gerry
Year: 2023
Type: Academic
Tutors: James Robertson, Gerry
How can our architecture be not just a response to humanity but also to the environment it sits in?
Loch on Wood explores this question through the eyes of the human and the bird in a gorgeous site 500m southeast of Lochwinnoch, Scotland. The site is on the periphery of a beautiful loch, circulated by a trail system with bird-watching posts protruding out intermittently. The RSPB’s current visitor centre is derelict and provides minimal learning experiences within the interior spaces. The existing building fails to invite new customers who fund facilities and site maintenance.
Throughout a visitors journey, they will be immersed with views of the loch, creating an outdoor connection and providing a nudge to explore the area. There needs to allow a clear view of the landscape from the car park, drawing in onlookers driving past. The physical gateway needs to act as an extension to the trail system surrounding the loch, and provide emphasis to enter the interior space to learn about the site. Loch on Wood will provide birds a sanctuary to roam in while allowing people to engage in some of the best wildlife Scotland has to offer. During my development I was heavily inspired by the flight and migration of the birds from the Lochwinnoch reserve south to Europe and beyond.
Loch on Wood explores this question through the eyes of the human and the bird in a gorgeous site 500m southeast of Lochwinnoch, Scotland. The site is on the periphery of a beautiful loch, circulated by a trail system with bird-watching posts protruding out intermittently. The RSPB’s current visitor centre is derelict and provides minimal learning experiences within the interior spaces. The existing building fails to invite new customers who fund facilities and site maintenance.
Throughout a visitors journey, they will be immersed with views of the loch, creating an outdoor connection and providing a nudge to explore the area. There needs to allow a clear view of the landscape from the car park, drawing in onlookers driving past. The physical gateway needs to act as an extension to the trail system surrounding the loch, and provide emphasis to enter the interior space to learn about the site. Loch on Wood will provide birds a sanctuary to roam in while allowing people to engage in some of the best wildlife Scotland has to offer. During my development I was heavily inspired by the flight and migration of the birds from the Lochwinnoch reserve south to Europe and beyond.
The birds of Lochwinnoch are seldom sedentary, opting to migrate throughout the seasons. The diversity of species is accommodated with the connection between the human and the bird.
The light chimney draws visitors through the learning spaces and toward the interpretation space, promoting the idea of the journey.