An introductory project, the inspiring place was designed to encourage
students to examine what makes a place within the urban context.
Wishart’s Arch, or “The Cowgate” is a historical landmark on the edge of Dundee city centre. Despite having no obvious function, the place has been maintained as an artefact which exists to tell the story of the city and its origins as a port town.
The project focuses on the details of the arch. Features like the narrow openings and battlement like top, point to the arch as once being protective. The arch itself is an impressive structural statement of how to effectively span distance in load bearing masonry.
Nowadays, however, the arch shows its age through signs of decay. The natural planting which now grows on the arch helps tell the story of the place. Small ferns feed on the lime mortar which was used at the time of construction, showing the age of the landmark.
