The liberated ground suggests alternative housing typology equipped with collective infrastructure to accommodate the diverse population flux of Aberdeen. It responds to seasonal use of the coastal landscape near the newly developing harbour in Torry, Aberdeen. It proposes an extension of Torry neighbourhood towards the fluid territory; Wetland Park and coastal landscape.
Torry is one of the historical cores of Aberdeen. It has gone through various periods of social, spatial, and economic transitions; from a fishing town to the oil industry and, recently, as a renewable energy industry hub. In each period, Torry was privatised and isolated with impenetrable housing blocks and surrounding infrastructure.
The design proposes two different scales of collective spaces to modify isolated environment; a ground platform for communal use that operates as a mediator between various forms of the collective activities, and a fluid landscape of the park (wetland). Secondly, it proposes shared spaces within the new housing blocks; slab and tower. The proposed housing units provide multiple flexible spaces and share facilities. It forms an inclusive environment that fosters the forming of a more resilient and diverse community, and it activates the ground that has been left obsolete for decades.
Design is progressed with enhancing three considerations; access, garden, and events. It produces nine interactive moments.
The collection of platforms provides urbanised social corridors on neighbourhood environment.
Slope with diverse communal use platform, create an urban garden accessible from both the main road and park.
The least flood area is partly converted and framed as a water garden by the platform.
High population flux through the train station and further from the ferry dock is facilitated by the grand plaza and sports parks.
Liberated Ground is the device to promote a series of social interactions between people, landscapes, and buildings.
Slab responds conditions of long term stay and low-density living environment.
The housing block becomes a space for the collective community like a social plant instead of producing a collection of individual sleeping pods for certain subjects.
Tower responds conditions of short term stay and high-density living environment.
