During 2010 an exciting project: Power of Place – Shetland’s Year of Architecture and Place 2010 took place in Shetland. It was the first project of its kind in Shetland and was also part of the Scottish Government’s national programme of architecture and outreach activities. Locally, the project is a partnership between Shetland Architectural Society, Shetland Arts and Shetland Islands Council and followed widespread consultation in the community during the previous two years.
Throughout 2010 Power of Place hosted: lectures, workshops in youth clubs, themed architectural articles in Shetland Life, an international architectural conference, an architecture film festival, and held Architects’ Doors Open Days. There are now opportunities during the next three Saturdays in March to come along to the Power of Place Final Fling events to find out more about what happened during the Power of Place project last year, to celebrate some of those activities, and to air your views about Shetland’s buildings and public spaces with such questions as:
‘What should Shetland houses be like in the future?’ ‘How should we make use of our derelict stone buildings?’
And maybe more controversial questions, such as:
‘What do you think of architects?’ and ‘Should everything be centralised in Lerwick?’
As well as Family Workshops creating a 3D map of Shetland with people’s favourite buildings, Performances, Exhibitions, Films, and Teas and Coffees, the Final Fling events will be opportunities to meet with local Architects. Local Development Plan Officers will also be on hand to discuss people’s future development proposals.
Everyone of all ages is welcome to drop in between 11am and 2pm on Saturdays 5th March at the Shetland Museum, 12th March at Sandwick Carnegie Hall and 19th March at Mid Yell Hall. Elements of Power of Place have been funded by Shetland Arts, Shetland Islands Council, Architecture + Design Scotland, and the Robertson Trust.
