Wenjing Xiao
St. Fittick’s Community Park Escape Plan
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Project description
The design of this project will revolve around a dispute inside Torry. St. Fittick’s Community Park, as the last freely accessible green field in Torry next to the Nigg Bay, is foresaw to be developed into the Energy Transition Zone by the Proposed Local Development Plan 2020. Many residents, especially those in Torry, have come forward to protest this proposal. But this plan is still ongoing and new planning application documents have been submitted to the Aberdeen City Council in early November 2023. In fact, this is not the first time that Torry’s land has been taken away to feed the powers.
Mr. Oil, a retired oil worker living in Torry, has also participated in saving St. Fittick’s Park activities, but the reality made him realize that ordinary residents may not be able to change the course of this plan. Therefore, inspired by the process of decommissioning offshore rigs that lifts entire platform topsides in one go, he decided to work with his former crews and Torry people to save this unique park - by physically moving it.
Introduction of the Story
Date: 21/08/2025 Weather: Cloudy
Torry people are still waiting for the materials from decommissioned offshore rigs. During this time, they are collecting seeds in the St. Fittick’s Park, and plan to clear the ground in Abbey Road site next week and ready to start the Plant Migration Project: move the plants in the park and set up community garden in our new site.
Date: 14/06/2026 Weather: Rainy
Recycled structures are transported from the decommissioning plant and arrive at the Aberdeen South Harbour. Because the components cannot stand independently, some sub structures have been prepared. For safety reasons, crews need to strictly follow a series of rules throughout the entire movement process.
Date: 22/08/2026 Weather: Cloudy
The park was successfully lifted and workers began installing facilities.
Date: 14/10/2026 Weather: Windy
The park entered the Balnagask Golf Course. Residents of Torry prepared nets in advance to protect plants along the route. At the same time, wild flower seeds are scattered on the net, and seed bombs are also hung on the structure. As the wheels roll over grass and seeds, growth and strong roots are promoted. A giant balloon is suspended from the structure to reduce the weight of the structure, and sail is used to provide power while moving. After arriving at the Abbey Road site, unloading the balloon can turn the structure into a stationary state, and this installation will be hand-sewed into a curtain for events.
Date: 18/12/2026 Weather: Rain
The structure is now entering Torry’s residential area, and the use of sail saves a lot of time and energy for this plan. As Christmas is approaching, tumbleweed with flower seeds is prepared as special gifts for the residents. To add interest, one Christmas tree decoration is hidden in each tumbleweed. On the other hand, due to vibration and frequent rains, a trail of dirt and mess is left behind the structure. Hope that new sprouts will grow in the coming spring.
Date: 16/01/2027 Weather: Sunny
After arriving at the Abbey Road Site, the structure remains stationary and a vertical transportation system is installed. Although it is not as comfortable as normal lift, visitors can directly enjoy the city view from here. A huge battery is placed in the middle level to store electricity generated by wind and cycling. Whenever it is fully charged, people can use it to hold a grand celebration. The cockpit will also be transformed into a DJ station.
Roof Plan
Middle Floor Plan
Site Plan
Everyone can borrow bicycles with generators here. They can use the electricity generated by cycling to earn points on the app. If you reach a certain score, you can come here to rent a Christmas tree for free before Christmas.
Torry people do not give up fighting against the Energy Transition Zone. They installed some treehouses around that area, with cameras hiding inside. They want to see what would happen there and collect possible evidence. Meanwhile, some tiny, golf ball like devices are placed in the golf course, waiting for curious animals and wind to bring those wildflower seeds to every corner of this place.
The city council begins to consider reopening these community libraries, and construct more portable gardens.
Timeline of the whole journey
Constructing Support Structures
A Post-Petroleum Polyptych
Architectural Devices and Models
Wenjing Xiao
St. Fittick’s Community Park Escape Plan
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