KATIE COTTLE

Common(ing) Knowledge // Old Harbour, Aberdeen

HOW CAN THE SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE ACROSS NATIONS AND COMMUNITIES CREATE A JUST TRANSITION INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY?

HOW CAN ARCHITECTURE ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THIS SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE?

We are a generation of protectionism. Ideas and solutions for climate change are currently being explored in isolation. As a result global resources are not being best utilised and progress is a lot slower. Therefore the solution is for resources and importantly green technology knowledge to be freely shared.

The Common(ing) Knowledge Hydrogen Hub is an innovation cluster for hydrogen transport start-ups, sitting in the heart of my master-plan for Aberdeen’ s Knowledge Port. The buildings have been designed around principles that will facilitate the sharing of knowledge. The hub will provide high-tech workshops, laboratories, studios and testing labs. These spaces will be shared between the occupants, enabling collaboration. The buildings are fully open to the public, who are encouraged to explore the spaces to learn and share their own knowledge.

My interests lie in exploring how the built environment impacts ones feelings, and how we physically respond and are motivated by it. This project explored how certain masterplans, wayfinding and building designs might enhance a feeling of safety and comfort and inspire one to open up and share knowledge or experiences more readily.