Edinburgh Napier University

  A series of one-day workshop events were staged to engage the public with the architecture of Basil Spence, firstly at Edinburgh Napier University’s Maker Space and then within Edinburgh University’s Library, designed by Basil Spence. Participants were supplied with miniature 3D printed architectural building blocks, which can be used in conjunction with the joining elements to assemble a unique ‘souvenir of Basil Spence’. Responses to the realisation of the completed objects and the visitors' subsequent engagement with the sites will then be investigated, through observational research methods. Visual evidence of the public and their objects, within the surroundings, will be kept throughout towards content analysis, ongoing exhibitions and an interactive website.

These workshop events will allow the public – locals, tourists and invited individuals involved with the architectural sites, to interact with 3D printing technology, to personalise a pre-designed architectural model, incorporating self-originated image material. Furthermore, in-depth interaction with the architectural sites will enable participants to gain a deeper insight into the history, aesthetics, social purpose and issues surrounding the conservation of Basil Spence buildings.

Responses to the realisation of the completed objects and the locals' and visitors' subsequent engagement with the sites will then be investigated, through participant observation and pre and post workshop interviews. Visual, photographic evidence of the public and their objects, within the surroundings, will be kept throughout towards visual content analysis.