Sam Lennie

Agora Alba is a public space where people can come to reflect, study, or simply spend time together in a quiet, open setting. It sits within the unfinished National Monument of Scotland—a place full of history and meaning. The design brings together open areas that encourage walking and casual interaction, with a sheltered pavilion that offers more focused spaces for study and quiet thought. My goal was to create a flexible, welcoming environment where people can think, connect, or just take a moment to pause.

I chose to keep the design open and a little ambiguous on purpose. I didn’t want to dictate how the space should be used; I wanted people to make it their own. Whether someone is there to read, rest, or meet a friend, the space is meant to support whatever they need in that moment. While the design has contemporary elements, it’s also shaped with a strong respect for the rich history and cultural significance of Calton Hill.