Andrew Dang

Yr4 Design | Duddingston Library

“ Scotland will be a Good Food Nation, where people from every walk of life take pride and plea- sure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day. ”

- The Scottish Government (2015)

Location

Edinburgh

Type

Civic / Educational

Construction

CLT Portal frame, rammed earth walls

Nomination

Mcckay Award

ESALA

The proposal sets forth an ambitious master plan for the School of Regional Studies in Duddingston, Scotland, with a focus on fostering local food initiatives. It aims to enhance public knowledge about quality nutrition, reduce reliance on imported goods to lower carbon emissions, and promote healthier eating habits in Edinburgh.

The strategy includes bolstering community ties through the expansion of current allotments, the creation of new communal spaces, and the development of pathways in untapped areas. Central to the initiative is the development of a sustainable food system designed to supply fresh ingredients for the school's meal programs and educate students on eco-friendly food practices. The project intends to broaden the scope of Duddingston's agricultural activities, offering additional land and improved facilities for growing, as well as the local commerce of produce.

Interior perspective view from main entrance lobby

Exterior perspective view from main hub towards entrance lobby

Axonometric Drawings synthesis of stereotomic and tectonic construction

Bringing nature indoors
The design utilises rammed earth construction to seamlessly blend the building's raw exterior with the interior's comfort. Expressive timber portal frames extend across the primary library area, promoting flexibility and openness. The façade, expressed in brick, harmonises with the local townscape while safeguarding the moisture-sensitive rammed earth against erosion.

Thesis drawing Current landscape (left) and adapted site with enclosures (right)

Depolluting/Cleaning devices

Ozone Eclipse devices reduce pollution by absorbing harmful gases such as aerosols, nitrogen oxides and ozone. Pre-industrial draught devices filter out PM10 and PM2.5 particles in the air. Cleaning devices then blow out clean air.

Dehumidity/Dry Devices

Humidity levels are reduced by Dry Cloud devices which intake hu- mid air, extract water vapour via silicate bags and release dry air back into the environment.

Anticyclone/Cooling devices

Cool down air through heat exchange with the city’s water and underground via geothermal ducts where it is cooler. The canopy on top acts as a shading utensil and has insulated skin to prevent heat radiation.

Replicating Conditions Abstract Models visualises seperation of warm and cool air through fluid density (left) and different conditions(clean,cool,dry) of modulated air working together (right).