August 3 2023

Clackmannanshire Council has awarded planning consent for a geodesic dome housing the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy.

Designed by Andrew Whalley, chairman of Grimshaw Architects, the statement structure will improve teaching and learning at the institute.

Located at the school's main entrance the dramatic dome will support UN sustainable development goals, developing solutions to real-world problems with the support of industry and the further education sector.

Providing an inspirational space within which to think, make and test the canopy will contain a tempered semi-outdoor space housing a digital prototyping suite, a science lab and creative art spaces around the perimeter. A stepped auditorium leads to the first-floor level built from cross-laminated timber which hosts a landscaped roof terrace.

Whalley commented: "The Futures Institute building is an exemplar of sustainable architecture. The design aspects go beyond energy generation and integrating quality of light and natural ventilation; this building considers biodiversity, and its place in the broader landscape. The Futures Institute will empower and inspire the next generation to tackle the global problems, such as climate change, we now all face.”

Minimising the use of concrete throughout the glue laminated timber frame is infilled with local stone and clad with ETFE pillows and solid insulated panels with integrated photovoltaic panels. 

5 Comments

#1 Posted by FFS on 4 Aug 2023 at 10:02 AM

Tax private schools.

#2 Posted by FFS Indeed on 4 Aug 2023 at 11:13 AM

What No1 said.

#3 Posted by Jimbob Tanktop on 7 Aug 2023 at 15:09 PM

Nice to see somewhere founded by slave trade profits create 'an inspirational space in which to think'

#4 Posted by Mark on 8 Aug 2023 at 22:40 PM

Setting aside the slavery connection, this story is a window into how the Establishment works: a wealthy "charity" appoints a former pupil to design its new building.

#5 Posted by Showbiz sam on 9 Aug 2023 at 10:05 AM

Everything what comments 1-4 say.. Spot on.

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