In response to the continued decline of Paisley, this project offered a solution to revive the civic centre of Scotland's largest town. “Disaster has struck”1 as the river, a valuable natural asset has been hidden from view, culverted below a “vastly vulgar development of shopping and offices”2 known as the Piazza Centre. Following industry decline and ever-failing shopping centres, Paisley must overcome a number of challenges to progress in this new century. Environmental improvements have begun, however consolidation of shops in acceptance of shopping decline to de-fragment the centre would free up the Piazza site for development.

revealing the river= more attractive physical environment = economic investment = sustained use = people place, necessary to maintain culture, social interaction providing a wider economic benefit = more attractive human/social environment = PAISLEY REBORN AND GROWING POSITIVELY

Following research and interviews with key players in the town, this study produced a design for new improved cultural facilities, weaving together the library and arts organisations into a centre for information and ideas.

The building design is based on the spiral of the paisley pattern; a symbol of the town. As a continuous flowing landscape, the building grows from the newly revealed river to become a spiralling architectural beacon on the river vista and a symbol of the cultural regeneration of the town

The building is designed to bring the community together. Focusing on the creation of flexible spaces/niches/platforms/ramps the users are offered places to read, to learn, to create and to perform.

1 & 2 Walker Frank A, The South Clyde Estuary: An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 1986