Cameron Duncan - Master of Architecture Stage 5

Inspired by the Manhatten ‘High Line’ and Copenhagen ‘Bicycle Snake', Stage 5 Master of Architecture student, Cameron Duncan, creates a ‘15-minute green corridor’ centred around a zero-carbon, sustainable community with a new and imaginative high level walkway in Torry.

22 year-old Cameron came straight to RGU from Holyrood High School in Edinburgh having been impressed by the generous and accessible studio spaces at The Scott School of Architecture compared to other universities.

Cameron’s Masters’ ‘Living Street Project’, creates a vibrant place for people to live, work and play. He creates a 15-minute green corridor that links Torry to an enhanced waterfront near Victoria Bridge. This would offer an alternative, greener route to the city with more street space for walking, bicycle lanes and vegetation. The new green corridor would encourage active travel, reduce car use and the associated transport pollution. This would also help promote better health and wellbeing amongst the community.

Along the newly created green corridor, Cameron creates a new art’s hub with exhibition space, studios and a restaurant. The centre would offer a new hub for community activities and workshops, that could be used by young families, residents and commuters. This would foster social inclusion and community relations in Torry and the surrounding areas.

Architectural rendering of exterior building at newly imagined Green Corridor in Torry

Architectural rendering of path at newly imagined Green Corridor in Tory

Speaking about his work, Cameron said: “The design I have achieved this year has opened my creative mind and made me become more ambitious in solving design issues. Urban mobility plays such an important role as this is a major problem to be solved for cities as they strive to become carbon-neutral. There are many mobility strategies that can be used to improve walking and cycling infrastructure. My design aims to show how Aberdeen can be used as a city example to promote sustainable mobility along a newly created 15-minute green corridor.”

Reflecting on his experience at RGU, Cameron says: “My last few months in Stage 5 have made me realise the importance of managing my own wellbeing. I take regular breaks for activities such as cooking and walking which helps me think better and come up with better designs. The teaching methods at Scott's, which include peer reviews, have really helped me improve my critical thinking too.”

As Cameron moves onto Stage 6, he wants to create more sustainable designs for city living. He’s developed 3D modelling software and VR experience at a local architectural firm and has ambitions to secure a permanent job so he can create more sustainable designs. He’s also engaging with RGU’s 57 10 Architecture Society, gaining invaluable insights into the range of disciplines across architecture.