An Edinburgh Napier student is aiming to breathe new life into careers advice with her design for an inspirational learning hub dedicated to helping young people plan for the future.
Fourth year interior and spatial design student Jacqueline Borland has unveiled her project ‘Future Moves’ this week as part of Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show – an annual showcase of talent from the University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries.
As part of her final year project, Jacqueline and her fellow course mates are encouraged to pick a site and conceptually design a building that would bring benefits to its community if it was developed.
After being inspired by her struggles with her own careers process at school, the 24 year-old has transformed the site of a former Baptist church in Glasgow’s west end into a careers knowledge and learning hub which aims to inspire and prepare young people for working life.
A mix of the original church building and an extension, Jacqueline’s design breathes new life into the site by transforming it into a space for people to meet with careers advisors, build relationships with employers, attend a variety of work experience sessions, and learn essential life skills.
Her use of transparent, modern materials help integrate the old building alongside creating a fresh, bright space that incorporates an auditorium, a multifunctional event space for careers fairs and more, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, studios and a roof-top café.
Pendant lights that carry the message ‘The Future Is Bright’, welcome users to the space with a unique netted ceiling allowing for a dramatic breakout space to be viewed from the building’s ground floor.
Jacqueline’s building has been designed with the theme of change in mind, with users encouraged to think about their own aspirations and personal development as they make their way through the various areas before reaching the roof-top floor – and its stunning views across the city.
She said: “If I’m being honest, I really did struggle with the careers process at school. I knew a lot of things that I didn’t want to do, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. After school, I actually started a business course at university but it just wasn’t for me. It was a stressful time, but I always knew I liked design and that I wanted to do something creative so that’s how I ended up doing the course I’m doing now at Edinburgh Napier.
“This experience really did influence my final year project. I wanted to design something that would help people in a similar situation. Careers advice can be a bit dry at times so I wanted to create a space that would inspire and help people both fulfil their potential and to pursue their dreams.
“With a concept of metamorphosis underpinning the project and the Greek style architecture of the building influencing the design, transformation and change lie at the heart of Future Moves. Located within the former Hillhead Baptist Church in Glasgow, a striking Neo-Greek style building which has sat vacant and unmaintained for many years, the building presents the perfect opportunity for regeneration.
“As people pass through and climb from floor to floor within the building, I wanted them to reflect on both the past – what they have achieved to date – and to think about their wider aspirations and where they’d like to go in their life.
“Changing career or working out what you’d like to do is a massive step in life and if buildings and designs like mine can help people feel supported while they do this, then it will have been worthwhile.”
Jacqueline’s project, along with 100s of others, are on show at Edinburgh Napier’s 2023 Degree Show at its Merchiston campus from 26 May to 1 June, 12pm to 8pm each day.
More information can be found at www.napier.ac.uk/degreeshow