Architecture of Paisley to feature in a new national exhibition

Paisley will feature in a new exhibition called 'What if…?/Scotland', opening in V&A Dundee on 22nd May, which will explore the relationship communities have with their built environment.

Article Source: Scotland + Venice
Last Updated: 20 May 2021 13:06

The project, commissioned by the Scotland + Venice partnership, is the creation of Edinburgh-based 7N architects together with Architecture and Design Scotland, Scotland’s design agency, and a number of local partners. Initially started in 2019 it paired five local people from Paisley with five architects and designers to discuss how they would improve the spaces where they live and what their hopes, wishes and aspirations for the future are.

The designer responded to the wishes of the people by proposing a way to make the hopes a reality – asking What if…?/. The process was filmed by film maker Basharat Khan. The exhibition of the wishes, alongside the films, were initially prepared for the Scotland + Venice exhibition for the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2020 – the world’s leading architecture exhibition. However, with the 2020 exhibition postponed and uncertainty around travel in 2021 due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers were able to adapt the exhibition to premiere at V&A Dundee.

Paisley is Scotland’s largest town and in recent years it has been undergoing a transformation with investment to regenerate the town centre. In Paisley the locals discussed a number of areas they’d like to see developed; they wanted to see buildings and areas which had fallen into disrepair restored and they wanted to find new ways to allow all the citizens of Paisley the opportunity to gather and take part. They also discussed the High Street and it could be revitalised so that future generations could have pride in their town.

Local resident Alison Love meet with architect Graeme Nicholls to discuss accessibility. Alison uses a wheelchair and though she is very independent, her choices on where she visits and what she does are dependent on the availability of accessible toilets. She loves Paisley’s green spaces and would like to see Fountain Gardens developed to include a performance space for the community with facilities accessible for all.

New resident Johannes Gonani joined Cathy Houston and retired architect Anne Duff to look at the river and how it was such a vital part of Paisley’s past. They discussed using some of the redundant land by the riverside to develop a thriving area to attract new business and entrepreneurs. Johannes said he felt Paisley was a welcoming place and that many different nationalities had made the town their home, he felt a place to meet and integrate would be a positive addition. Together they worked on plans for a riverside regeneration including space for new businesses and a place for the community to gather, work and live.

Local businesswoman Gillian Steel showed architect Gerry Grams around the High Street area of Paisley. Gillian wanted to encourage small local businesses and independent retailers to set up in particular ones related to Paisley’s rich textile and design heritage. She wanted to ensure that the skills of these industries were taught to future generations. Gillian and Gerry discussed how empty units could be used and about repopulating the town centre.

Stuart McMillan, Regeneration Manager, Renfrewshire Council said: “Paisley was delighted to participate in Scotland’s contribution to the International Architecture Exhibition that was planned for Venice Biennale in 2020. It’s fantastic that the exhibition and Paisley’s contribution, alongside the other participating places from around the country, will now be seen at the V&A Dundee during 2021.

What was evident to Paisley in 2019 was that the future of our places are best secured, for us all, with dialogue and understanding between architects, designers and local people. Now in 2021, having moved through a dramatic year, this dynamic - that engages with local perspectives from the citizens of a place - can now help places to recover and build new resilience. How we will live together is one of the most pertinent questions for us as we move out of pandemic restrictions.

Paisley’s workshop focussed on our town as a place to meet and gather. Examining the roles of streets and urban and green spaces of all shapes and sizes and what can make them better for all ages, communities and purposes. Thank you to A&DS and 7N Architects for facilitating such a purposeful conversation for our town.”

Paisley was one of five communities taking part in the project alongside Elgin, Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, Annan and Lerwick. Dundee will be added in time for the opening at the V&A. As well as themes individual to the local communities there were many overarching themes of regeneration of lost and iconic buildings, the issues of closed shops in High Streets, community spirit, pride in local areas and how to create a meeting space that’s accessible to everyone.
In addition to the five films there will be an interactive installation called the Cloud of Dreams, where anyone attending the exhibition can submit their wish for their place.

Ewan Anderson of 7N Architects said: “When we first met with these communities in late 2019, who could have foreseen how much our lives would change? It’s interesting that even prior to a year in lockdown, community and spaces to gather and meet were of common importance throughout Scotland. I’m delighted we have found a home for the exhibition as it is important that these stories are told. And how fitting that this exhibition examining our places and how design affects them will be presented at Scotland’s first Design Museum V&A Dundee.”

The exhibition will run between Saturday 22nd May – Sunday 21st Nov 2021 – Free museum entry.

Booking open at: www.vam.ac.uk/dundee

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour

Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!

Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!

Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent

Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Grab your free reusable cup!

Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?

Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils

Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions

After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!

Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.

Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens

Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.

Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day

Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event

On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!

Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations

Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.

Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!

Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session

Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden

Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

Architecture of Paisley to feature in a new national exhibition

Paisley will feature in a new exhibition called 'What if…?/Scotland', opening in V&A Dundee on 22nd May, which will explore the relationship communities have with their built environment.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings

Paisley will feature in a new exhibition called 'What if…?/Scotland', opening in V&A Dundee on 22nd May, which will explore the relationship communities have with their built environment.