Fina Grill

Project Description

Social Net is a project aimed at combatting alarming rates of loneliness among adults, focused on (but not limited to) those in their 20’s. It is a community centre for those looking to form connections in Edinburgh with people that share their hobbies and interests. The site - the Dalmeny Street Drill Hall, a Category-A listed 20th century building with a military history, is transformed into an informal open space that serves as a hub for fostering new friendships. The previously rigidly organised hall gets transformed through the insertion of a contrasting chainmail element inspired by the city. The organic and curved nature of the architectural feature sweeps up visitors to a series of social and play areas that through their design, explore the principles of privacy, visibility and interconnection.

Site - The Dalmeny Street Drill Hall

The Dalmeny Street Drill Hall is a Category-A listed 20th century military drill hall. Currently being used as a community centre and artists' studios, the building is made up of a front segmented portion and a large open hall in the back.

Design Strategy

The aim was to create a fun space that allows individuals to engage with each other, both due to the layout of the space and the activities that take place within it. The space is based around the importance of shared hobbies in fostering friendships - those using the spaces can partake in a variety of games, crafts and sports, allowing everyone to find an activity they enjoy. The act of interacting with strangers is made less daunting through the implementation of these activities, which not only allow visitors to do things they enjoy but also offer them something to focus on as they first interact with someone new. 

The project plays around with the ideas of forced proximity, creating zones where the design of the space itself means visitors are encouraged to interact. Feeling a sense of connection to the space is also essential in fostering a sense of comfort around new people. The space is owned by those using it through the mementos they leave. Related to comfort, the project also plays around with the ideas of being seen, offering spaces with varied levels of privacy for visitors who prefer less or more crowded spaces. Direct links are made to the online world through the addition of a profile wall and decorative touches, which highlight the importance of social media platforms to our daily interactions. Finally, the curved elements of the design aim to evoke an extraction of nature, which makes the human subconscious comfortable. Nature is also key to the friendships and relationships within the city of Edinburgh and some key inspiration is taken directly from the city's shapes.