Make Do

This project grew from Abby’s own experience of orchestra residential stays as a young person. Her memory recalls a positive, organic experience- which grew from the gathering of people, the making of music. No matter the context- the people made it special.

Sistema Scotland emulate her experience with their work, transforming lives through musical education whilst ‘making do’ within the constraints of their provided built environment. The proposal is a direct response to the culture of Sistema- by facilitating gathering on a human scale. Ownership and agency over space are central to the idea, allowing young people to feel a sense of belonging within the public and private realm.

To “make do” assumes to settle for lesser. But with the climate emergency as our reality, we must use what we already have to our advantage. The proposal responds to this notion through its adaptive reuse of materials, and by utilising the natural environment to generate energy. The collage of built forms respond to the existing landscape on the edge of the River Leven, an assemblage of buildings, for the assembly of people.

Site Axonometric

'Placing' the buildings on top of the existing landscape

Sketchbook Work

Exploring concepts of young people occupying space within the public realm

Scales of Gathering

Diagrams taken from user activity research

Collage of Buildings

Patchwork approach to repurposing existing building materials

Platforms for Play

Concept Diagram

Ground Floor Plan

Making Dens in the Dormitories

The retreat facilitates children's imagination, even in the quieter moments of the day.

Façade Studies

Site Section

Perform, Practice, Play, Rest

Residential Retreat Section

Practice + Play

Gathering by the Loch

The community flow out of the performance hall to the deck, a moment which frames the idyllic landscape of Loch Lomond.

A Sistema Concert Rehearsal