Sandra comes from Poland. She relocated to the UK to study for her A-levels, then she continued her education at Kingston University where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Architecture. She gained experience working on several projects in South Wales and in Germany. Recently, she graduated from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a Master’s degree in architecture.
During her studies at the university, she has developed an interest in sustainable design and the role of architecture as a mediator between people and the environment. Her work is inspired by elegant simplicity and focuses on place-making and sustainable construction methods. She enjoys sketching as a means of solving design problems.
The project focuses on the remote island of Orkney and aims to respond to current climate issues by introducing a research facility that encourages sustainable practices in horticulture. Inspired by a simple diagram, it explores the idea of a building as an enclosed garden in which ‘the wall’ serves as a protective boundary. The proposal also references monastic architecture which places garden at heart. Two courtyards become a tranquil place for reflection and interaction. They also allow the separation of public and private but at the same time maintaining relationships between both areas. The proposed scheme strives to merge with the landscape to create a calm and supportive environment. The atmosphere is explored through physical models by changing qualities of light, material and rhythm of columns.
