As my research programme approaches its end, a full scale model of the Phenomena Observation Device will be installed on a number of sites operated by the University’s Forestry & Peatland programme. The model will develop with each exposure and reflection of its experience.
POD’s first location is on the Community Area of Rullion Green, the FPP’s site at Flotterstone, in the Pentland Hills Regional Park. For further details of the University of Edinburgh’s work at Rullion Green, visit https://sustainability.ed.ac.uk/operations/forest-peatland/rullion-green-wood
The Phenomena Observation Device, or POD, is an architectural model that engages with its’ context via a series of skins of dynamic, interactive panels. The aim is to explore the concept of shelter, and how architecture can strengthen our links to and understanding of our surroundings. It has been designed to be moveable between sites, to experience different stimuli, and be a proof of concept of a lightweight, zero impact hut.
The skin on display is called ‘critheann’ (pronounced cree-an) – the Gaelic name for the aspen tree – a species being reintroduced on the slopes at Rullion Green. It also translates as ‘tremble’, the action of aspen leaves in the breeze, echoed by the movement of the panels of the skin when they are open.
It will be on site from the 11th of September until the 8th October, and I will be interacting with the model and keen to chat if you drop by. See the site information board for the next opening. I hope (weather dependent) to be on site at the following times :
| Saturday 3rd October | 10am – 4pm |
Flotterstone has car parking and public toilets, it can be reached on Houston Coaches bus service 101.
If you’d like to contact me, email me at adrian.mcnaught@ed.ac.uk
