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23 year old Maxwell Wilson from the village of Lhanbryde, near Elgin in Moray, is in his fifth year studying a Master's in Architecture.

He was attracted to study at The Scott School of Architecture & Built Environment because Aberdeen offered a comfortable adjustment from his small village and a great way to 'test the waters鈥� of city life. The architecture course at Scotts was a big draw and a huge opportunity which he wanted to seize upon leaving Milne鈥檚 High School in Fochabers.

Maxwell鈥檚 Master鈥檚 project is part of the University鈥檚 Pomona framework for Finstown in Orkney which aims to revive the town and provide a sustainable community for islanders. As part of a group, he has created a horticulture facility to provide shelter from the harsh climatic conditions in Orkney.

Maxwell has created a greenhouse system, with a distillery, horticulture and residences. One would grow locally produced herbs and spices which would be used in an adjoining gin distillery. A third greenhouse would provide residential training which could help create jobs in the community. Each greenhouse would have its own unique requirements for heating and non-heated, open, and enclosed spaces and use timber boxes clad with thick layer of local stone, to absorb the Orcadian sunlight.

Maxwell explains more: 鈥淢y greenhouse designs regulate the temperature so that they can slowly release back as the sun goes down. They appear as traditional stone masses that can absorb heat in the Winter that can then be used in the summer.  By doing this, the building itself becomes itself a living organism within the living landscape.

鈥淎s well as being sympathetic to the landscape, I鈥檝e created a sustainable design that offers a new industry for the community and would bring jobs on the island. I鈥檝e worked closely with the local community to achieve my project and it鈥檚 been really rewarding researching their needs and aspirations.

Maxwell has several highlights from the course including study trips to Rome and Venice. He also enjoyed designing and building furniture for real clients in his third year which he found one of the most rewarding experiences of the course.

Reflecting on his experience at 亚博体育官网, Maxwell says: 鈥淚 am delighted with my time at 亚博体育官网. It has undoubtedly changed my perspective on architecture and the profession. Studying through the pandemic has been different, but as we have slowly transitioned back into contact teaching, it鈥檚 been great to see that certain things that have worked well, have been retained. The benefits of a mix of online/contact are evident, I am happy with how the course has adapted.

鈥淭he opportunities and recognition available in architecture is something great and different from anything I have done up until this point. Being able to partake in external activities, competitions, and exhibitions gives you something extra to aspire for.

鈥溠遣┨逵�官网 and The Scott鈥檚 School of Architecture & Built Environment has really prepared me for going out into practice. Everything has been practical and helpful. I feel confident going out to look for work with everything I have learned.鈥�