Fountain Gardens Bandstand
This project, which envisions a new bandstand and accessible toilet facilities for Fountain Gardens in Paisley, was developed as part of Scotland + Venice's contribution to the 17th International Architecture Biennale in Venice. Curated by 7N Architects in collaboration with Architecture & Design Scotland, the wider project responds to the Biennale’s theme, How will we live together? The initiative involved pairing 25 residents from five different locations across Scotland with 25 designers, architects, and artists, encouraging them to express their aspirations for the future of their communities. Graeme Nicholls collaborated with a local resident who is a wheelchair user to reimagine Paisley as a more inclusive and accessible environment.
The proposal focuses on transforming a disused area on the western edge of Fountain Gardens, where a flagstaff once stood, into a new bandstand and accessible toilet facilities. The design draws inspiration from the park's Victorian layout, forming a half-drum structure that integrates a performance stage facing the gardens with facilities such as accessible toilets, changing rooms, and storage at the rear. The materials chosen, particularly the concrete cast with a Paisley pattern and colored with the 'madder' pigment, pay homage to Paisley's rich textile history. Through this intervention, the project aims to enhance accessibility in Paisley, making it more inclusive for everyone.
This project forms part of the 'What if...?/Scotland' exhibition, which will run from Sat 22 May – Sun 21 Nov 2021 at the V&A Dundee.
Location: Fountain Gardens, Paisley
Client: Scotland + Venice
Status: Ongoing 2021