Architecture student project designs Banchory Masterplan

Following several months of study, final year students at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment have devised a series of architectural ideas and options for both the Banchory community and Council to consider in an informed debate for the development of a Masterplan.  

The architecture students have identified a series of possible strategies which they are recommending to the Banchory Development Initiative (BDI) for further discussion and consultation with the people of Banchory.  

The student project has been largely informed in response to an invitation extended by BDI who put out a call in 2009 for interested parties to provide a master plan for the Deeside town.  

The project is being led by Visiting Professor Mike Gilmour and Visiting Studio Leader Louise Hunter.  Professor Gokay Deveci, who co-ordinates the Masters of Architecture final year course, said:  
    
“The invitation from BDI provided just the kind of real-life example we look for when forming a student project.  The Banchory Masterplan poses our students with a unique brief to create architectural solutions while being ever mindful of the potential effects to community, environment and culture.”

The student project proposes a number of strategies for the redevelopment of the town and surrounding area.  They include:

•    Reinforcing the boundaries of the town with an intensive landscaping strategy.

•    Establishing path and cycle networks throughout the town.

•    Re-establishing the Deeside Way based on the old railway line that use to run from Aberdeen to     
     Ballater.

•    Preserving and re-enforcing a Green Zone between the town and the river Dee.

•    Improving the high street for pedestrians and making it a conservation zone.

•    Allowing for sensitive town centre expansion to accommodate larger retail units along with a medical
     centre and other mixed uses.

•    Redesigning Scott Skinner Square by way of encouraging better use.

•    Identifying various tourists opportunities throughout the town and it’s immediate surroundings.

•    Identifying areas suitable for employment opportunities:  Research Centre, Skills centre etc.

•    Identifying areas for housing, including affordable housing etc. in the town centre.

•    Presenting a sensitive methodology for designing peripheral housing development.

•    Presenting a strategy for limited development south of the river.

These strategies were formally presented alongside a three dimensional model to the BDI committee at their AGM, on the evening of Thursday 25 February.  Iain Fletcher, a BDI Director, was in attendance on the evening.    

“We were thoroughly impressed by the quality and comprehensive nature of the student’s project” Iain says.  “While it is important to remind the people of Banchory and Deeside that this is first and foremost a student project, I am sure that the proposal will give us all serious food for thought as we move towards our own masterplan.”  

Following February’s presentation to the BDI, the students have now begun preparation for a further committee presentation mid April and then a public presentation to the Banchory and Deeside community in May this year.  Until then the students’ model can be viewed at Banchory Museum, Bridge Street, Banchory.     

ENDS                                   

Andrew Youngson
Communications Officer

Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 1FR
Tel: 01224 262389
Email: a.c.youngson@rgu.ac.uk

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