Granton: Wave of Change. From an Industrial Past to a Resilient Future

Wave of Change is a project focused on two important themes, climate change mitigation through nature based solutions and re-purposing of the industrial heritage of the site. The project is set in Granton, a coastal neighbourhood located in northern Edinburgh, which is particularly known for its industrial character. Although the area contains one of the largest brownfield sites in Scotland, it is also a rich intertidal zone inhabited by a number of invertebrates and endangered bird species. This dynamic ecosystem belongs to the Firth of Forth Site of Special Scientific Interest. According to predictions by Climate Central, by 2050 a large part of my site is going to be under annual flood level. For this reason, I took a water-centric approach to my design. My proposal aims to create a space where intertidal habitat connects seamlessly with former gasworks area, creating a variety of spaces for both human and non-human enjoyment. Instead of using hard engineering to contain the tides, the project focuses on managed retreat and creation of a saltmarsh in preparation for the future sea level rise. The remainders of industrial past are given a new life and purpose. No materials are wasted. Rubble, mounds of worked earth and old railway tracks are used to create a new sculpture park, where visitors can learn about the rich past of the site and reflect on its unfulfilled futures.