AN INTRODUCTION.
The Garten is an innovative residential complex that seeks to breathe new life into a Victorian High School building in Glasgow, creating a vibrant, interconnected community. Rooted in the core principles of community, inclusivity, and sustainability, The Garten serves as an urban sanctuary where residents can thrive in harmony with their environment.
Inspired by the concept of a thriving garden ecosystem, the name “Garten” symbolises the project’s dedication to promoting well-being and nurturing a harmonious environment for all residents. The Garten stands for growth, resilience, and the celebration of diversity, much like the variety of plants and beings found in a vibrant garden.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Community: The Garten empowers its residents and nurtures strong social bonds by creating shared social spaces and activities and encouraging resident involvement in decision-making processes.
Inclusivity: The Garten places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity by taking an intersectional feminist approach to design, considering a wide range of life experiences, identities, and the needs of individuals from various backgrounds, ages and abilities. It offers multiple housing options, including rentals, purchases, and social housing, ensuring that individuals from various walks of life and income levels can find a welcoming and supportive home within its walls.
Sustainability: The Gartens’ dedication to eco-conscious living is demonstrated through the incorporation of renewable energy sources, utilisation of eco-friendly construction practices and materials, and promotion of green communal living practices. Smaller living footprints and the integration of green spaces further emphasise the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing its overall impact.
The Gartens‘ strong emphasis on community-oriented, sustainable living demonstrates how urban environments can be reimagined to prioritise resident well-being and environmental responsibility.
