Arjun Gill

This project transforms the former Leith Methodist Church, originally built in 1862. It ceased to be a church in 2008 when it was converted into a neighbourhood hub for the YMCA centre and has been out of use since 2023 with plans to turn it into an events venue.

Motivated by seeing how the housing crisis can isolate vulnerable young people and fracture communities (having lived in Edinburgh for over three years) this project explores how design can counter that; creating emotionally supportive, inclusive spaces that foster dignity and connection.

Focusing on shared spaces for youth, it imagines how interior design can build belonging through warm, non-institutional design interventions that encourage interaction for those often socially marginalised.