J a n e t M c E w a n
Created Space
'Created Space' was initiated in 2007, when a partnership between Shetland Arts Development Agency, Shetland Independent Living Project ( I.L.P.), and Hjaltland Housing Association secured funding to support a project which would aim to engage the tenants of a new, purpose built supported housing unit, in the creative process of designing the outdoor area at the centre of the housing cluster.
As lead artist, myself and an assistant artist, Kristi Cumming, were appointed to work alongside a group of I.L.P. service users; to facilitate the development of a low maintenance garden design which would reflect the needs, interests, tastes and aspirations of the service users.
Through a number of research trips and workshops, where different aspects of garden planning were considered, not least climate ..... a final plan was drawn up, loosely inspired by wind and weather chart patterns, which offers a range of sensory experiences, and contains areas for recreational and educational activities for tenants, staff and also visitors from the wider community.