VIDEO: TV host George Clarke leads challenge to design Capability Scotland’s complex-needs site
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke has launched a creative challenge for young people in Scotland that will help shape Capability Scotland’s new £25m site for complex needs.
Entries are now open to schools, universities and colleges across Scotland, as well as anyone wishing to work independently. The challenge is to ask young people to create and present their ideas of how a project to build a new inclusive and sustainable community at Bertha Park in Perth should look like.
Capability Scotland, who are behind the new facility called ‘Our Inclusive Community Project’, have partnered with MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education) – the brainchild of renowned TV architect George Clarke – to influence the future of this new community.
The organisers encourage participants to think about how people can live sustainably and affordably while meeting their current needs and preserving the environment for future generations.
Sponsorship has been received from Springfield Properties and Sigma Capital Group for the Challenge Awards, which are due to be revealed soon.
George Clarke, architect and TV presenter said: “I am really passionate about architecture, design and creating homes and communities that are truly innovative, beautiful, sustainable and transform people’s quality of life.
“For me, the best way to do that is to inspire passionate youth to help define the communities of their future.”
This challenge has categories and challenges for young people of all ages, from elementary school to graduate school, and there are a range of tasks or design issues they can do.
“It is my hope that through the challenge, it will give young people in Scotland a taste of the design they will be inspired to take forward and that they can follow the development of this inclusive community over the coming years as it comes to life. Above all, I hope they have fun participating and imagine a great place to live in the future.” .
The new site will consist of 60 self-contained studio apartments for individuals with complex needs, with a new primary school and high quality, energy efficient housing. It will be built on the site adjacent to the existing Bertha Park High School and creative designs identified during this challenge will power the building.
Bertha Park High School and two primary schools in the Perth region as well as complex needs facilities in Capability Scotland – Corsford in Renfrewshire and Stanmore in Lanark – have already signed up to take part in the innovative challenge.
Brian Logan, CEO of Capability Scotland, said: “Involving the talented young people of Scotland in the design of our new comprehensive facility at Bertha Park is very special and we are delighted to be working with MOBIE as part of the challenge.
“We have been helping disabled people in Perth for over 45 years, and our new facility will allow us to continue to do so long into the future.
Residents and staff will play a vital role in the development of the wider community and the creation of an inclusive, respectful and equal network.
“We can’t wait to see what creativity is unleashed on this historic and profound project.”
The Challenge is partnered with Capability Scotland, MOBIE, Perth and Kinross Council and supported by Scottish Water; The closing date for entries is April 28th.
Gerry Raffles, Head of Education at MOBIE, said: “This project will revolutionize the approach to designing a new residential development and we are delighted to be working with Capability Scotland to bring the challenge to young people in Scotland.
“Young people will live in the homes and communities of tomorrow and that is why I am so happy that Capability Scotland is asking them what they want from this inclusive society of the future.”
Capability Scotland’s Upper Springland campus on Isla Road has three registered services and provides residential care and respite for 59 adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Day service is also available, as well as a hydrotherapy pool, theater and walled gardens. However, while the quality of care is excellent, the site is now over 40 years old and is becoming difficult to maintain. Climate change also means it faces an increased risk of flooding from the River Tay – and the charity wants to create groundbreaking new state-of-the-art services.
Webinars will be hosted on 9th March and 10th March.
A video about ‘Our Inclusive Community Project’ is available below.
