Jekaterina Tysiacnaja

Micro Community centre is located in Pollok Park, Glasgow. The centre is designed for single elderly people who ended up alone at some point in their lives and are looking to start a new chapter, by being part of the community who shares the same interests and are into the same hobbies. By providing a range of various activities, each one of them will be able to find something they are looking for to enjoy, develop and grow.

The site offers two types of residential apartments and few shared spaces dedicated for activities such as pottery studio, yoga and meditation space, library/ book club , arts and crafts and green house/botanic garden. The Green house/ Botanic Garden in the courtyard acts as a connecting element between all four building blocks. All the chosen activities are beneficial for mental health of the residents and can be used by visitors as well. To create the privacy of this residence, walled gardens are built around it. There are paths through the gardens leading to the forest, park and river side.

The location of the site is the most important aspect of the project as it is surrounded by nature. The use of Biophilic design is applied in the project because it is proven to be beneficial for human’s health. The presence of natural light, exposure to wilderness all around creates a tranquil space for residents and visitors. It is like a little escape from a busy noisy city life , a place where everyone can take their time, listen to the sound of the trees,  flowing river and find inner peace within themselves.