Whinny brae was the second project of third year and the brief was given to us by GIDE (Group for International Design Education). The brief title was ‘Innovative community's’ and given to eight schools across Europe. It was then up to each school to tailor a brief from this title. Our sight, Whinny Brae is located in Broughty Ferry, just outside of Dundee.
Whinny Brae is used mainly by parents and children going to the school at the bottom of the hill, but the steep gradient makes it a challenge for all users.Our brief was to redesign this space for the community, working in groups of three. For the brae, we proposed Whinny Park. Whinny Park is a space for the whole community and not just about the journey from the top of the steep hill to the bottom but about fun, education and self sufficiency. Creating three pods staggered up the hill there are new and interesting spaces for all the community of Broughty Ferry to enjoy.
The Glass House will be a communal garden for keen gardeners and also a useful space for Eastern Primary and cross curriculum education. It is a space that children of all ages can understand and grow their own plants and fruit and vegetables. The suspended glass pond to the back of the glass house also acts as a water collector, contributing to its self sufficiency. It is heated and lit at night by solar gain during the day.
The Teaching zone offers an alternative space to the classroom to help enthuse and inspire, providing a space in keeping with modern teaching methods. It has been greatly inspired by the whaling history of the area. The tall whale bone like structure acts as a semi shelter and creates a classroom like space that can be used by various groups within the community, Eastern Primary and Girl Guide or Scout Groups as well as any adult organisations. 
The Play zone provides a space for use by the parents and children of Eastern Primary School. It is somewhere parents can drop their children or wait for them after school. Using rubber mounds and a climbing wall on the back curve creates a fun environment. A raised level crossing leading from the play zone to the other side of the road provides a safe place for children to cross. The use of grass and integrated mesh has an impact on drivers speed as it is an unfamiliar surface and defines clearly that the space is different and encourages cautious driving. 
