In my 4th year design thesis I had the opportunity design for a non hypothetical client for the first time. To truly base my design in real life issues threatening a real community. The Shipyard Trust required a new museum which celebrated the rich history of shipbuilding on the River Clyde. I used this opportunity to focus how architecture could be used as a tool to deliver positive change to the community that surrounds it.
This project proposes a shipbuilding museum in the heart of Govan, not just as a place of remembrance, but as a catalyst for renewal. Through deep research and engagement with Govan's local context, I identified four urgent challenges facing the area today. In response, the project is structured around four strategic “Pillars” that aim to create a sustainable, inclusive future for Govan.
1. Communal Equality
Everyone living in Govan deserves access to a good quality of life. The museum is designed as an open, civic space that invites all members of the community to participate, gather, and be represented. It prioritizes accessibility, equity, and dignity through both spatial design and programming.
Everyone living in Govan deserves access to a good quality of life. The museum is designed as an open, civic space that invites all members of the community to participate, gather, and be represented. It prioritizes accessibility, equity, and dignity through both spatial design and programming.
2. Economic Growth
By reintroducing the skills and craftsmanship of shipbuilding through workshops, apprenticeships, and maker spaces, the museum supports local economic opportunity. It creates pathways to meaningful, well-paid work and fosters innovation rooted in Govan’s own industrial heritage.
By reintroducing the skills and craftsmanship of shipbuilding through workshops, apprenticeships, and maker spaces, the museum supports local economic opportunity. It creates pathways to meaningful, well-paid work and fosters innovation rooted in Govan’s own industrial heritage.
3. Community Cohesion
This project sees local leadership and social strength as essential infrastructure. The museum operates not only as a cultural venue but also as a platform for community organisation, education, and empowerment—helping to level the tools and opportunities for change.
This project sees local leadership and social strength as essential infrastructure. The museum operates not only as a cultural venue but also as a platform for community organisation, education, and empowerment—helping to level the tools and opportunities for change.
4. Climate Security
Sustainability is embedded into both the landscape and architecture. A site-specific drainage plan responds to increased flood risks from climate change, while materials and design decisions reflect long-term environmental care.
Sustainability is embedded into both the landscape and architecture. A site-specific drainage plan responds to increased flood risks from climate change, while materials and design decisions reflect long-term environmental care.
These four pillars are not isolated but symbiotic. Each reinforces the others, forming a holistic framework for Govan’s growth, resilience, and self-determined future. The museum becomes more than a building: it’s a strategy for cultural repair, economic empowerment, environmental justice, and community strength.
