Since 2019, Dundee Civic Trust has given awards to one or more fourth year Dundee University students studying architecture at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Our aim has been to engage with students and to recognise and promote excellence in their year-long project work. This year’s winner is Chinese student Gavin Wu, whose submission was entitled ‘Revive The Courtyard Vennels: Community Centre and Care Home Design’.
Informed by the environment of central Stirling, Gavin’s project demonstrated a sensitive and contextual use of the traditional archetypes of ‘Vennel Walls’ and ‘Courtyards’, connecting the old backlands together using a vibrant new complex of buildings incorporating a care home and community centre.
We were impressed by this bold attempt to ensure cross-generational interaction between the older people living in the new care home and the younger people using the community centre and hall. More of this vital mixed use planning is needed in our cities. Also of note were the interesting and original construction details, making use of sustainable materials and solar panels.
Gavin made thorough use of well-analysed inspirational precedents, including the John Modern Centre in London by MAE architects—which won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2023—and the Foundation Beyeler exhibition centre in Switzerland by Renzo Piano architects.
This is the final year of the award and we look forward to engaging with Dundee School of Architecture students in new ways in the future.