Design focused on Leith community building
Architectural Technology student Amina Hafeez was one of nine finalists for Central Scotland in the Women in Property 2020 Student Awards.
The awards celebrate the achievements of built environment degree students, highlighting to industry the necessity to link with universities early in the education process and also improve students' knowledge of the career options available to them.
Nominated by module leader Suha Jaradat, the competition gave third year student Amina the chance to meet leaders in property and construction as she was interviewed by a regional judging panel.
You can watch her introduction to her award submission project here
Amina and colleagues from the University had been given the opportunity to design a complete refurbishment of Duncan Place, Duke St, Leith, into a community hub and learning centre.
The building was running as a charity where local community members could socialise, learn and work. It provided social support to deprived members of the community and also helped to revitalise the services provided by the nearby primary school.
A pre-developed design by a lead architect was presented for the students to further develop and prepare for construction tendering and selection of a main contractor.
Amina said: “During this project we had to suggest design changes that improved the interior space and functions of space given, show an overall improvement of the building thermally and externally, prepare technical drawings, suggest additional facilities and uses that we then implement into the design, whilst also creating an additional 200m2 extension.”
Amina added that being a regional finalist in the Women in Property Central Scotland Student Awards 2020 was a “fulfilling experience that ensured I had to be well organised, very receptive and adaptive.”