February 26 2024

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has chosen 17 projects to slug it out for recognition with the organisation's annual awards programme.

The varied ensemble includes a football stand alongside more traditional museums and homes, each united by a shared prioritisation of design.

RIAS chief Tamsie Thomson said: “There is such a diverse and intriguing range of projects on this year’s RIAS Awards shortlist. Alongside new workplaces, homes and housing projects across the country, there are a rich variety of buildings that includes leading Scottish cultural and educational institutions, green energy infrastructure, a restaurant and even a football stand – so never let it be said that architects in Scotland cannot turn their hands to anything."

• An Office and Two Houses, Bunchrew, Highland by Loader Monteith
• Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects
• Civic House, Glasgow by Collective Architecture
• Croft 3, Isle of Mull by fardaa
• Danube Street, Edinburgh by John Jeffery
• Gala Fairydean Rovers Spectators Stand, Galashiels by Reiach and Hall Architects
• HydroNess, Inverness by Leslie Hutt Architect
• Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow by New Practice
• North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page\Park Architects
• Renton Hall, Haddington, East Lothian by WT Architecture
• Simon Square, Edinburgh by Fraser/Livingstone Architects
• The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan + Partners
• The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects
• The Tollhouse, Edinburgh by Fraser/Livingstone Architects
• Trinity Academy Sports Campus, Edinburgh by Holmes Miller
• University of Aberdeen – Science Teaching Hub by Reiach and Hall Architects
• West Balkello Farm, near Dundee by Ann Nisbet Studio

A judging panel comprising jury chair Nick Hayhurst (director, Hayhurst and Co) as well as Simon Branson (partner architect, Honey Architecture); Catriona Hill (partner, Oberlanders Architects) and Daisy Narayanan MBE (head of placemaking and mobility, City of Edinburgh Council) will now visit each project with the winners to be revealed at a ceremony on 4 June.

Each award winner will then be in contention for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, last claimed by Ann Nisbet Studio for Cuddymoss.

11 Comments

#1 Posted by Riddy on 26 Feb 2024 at 11:40 AM

It’s been a long time since I've been this underwhelmed.

#2 Posted by James Hepburn on 26 Feb 2024 at 13:24 PM

Interesting to note that none of our house building companies make these awards. Says a lot about their housing.

#3 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 26 Feb 2024 at 15:52 PM

17 make the shortlist -- all must win prizes?

Overall -- pretty thin gruel.

#4 Posted by Rankielass on 26 Feb 2024 at 16:40 PM

Hmm, a few nice projects in there but its says a lot about the quality of our built environment if these are the 17 best projects

#5 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 26 Feb 2024 at 18:24 PM

@#2 I know it's crazy right? Why can't they just try harder?

Or might it be that they operate in an entirely different sphere, where beautifully spacious single-house sites, £5000/m2 budgets and the time to agonise over the details don't exist?

Lidl do what they do and are very good at it, Fortnum's do what they do and are very good at it, but they cater for completely different clientele.

These awards are for the latter sector of society, who always get the nice stuff.

Perhaps there should be an RIAS affordable housing award?

#6 Posted by Ron on 26 Feb 2024 at 20:11 PM

I think it’s cute that #2 thinks house builders care what architects think.

#7 Posted by Jamie Brown on 26 Feb 2024 at 20:19 PM

I happen to think this is a great shortlist... a good variety of projects in different types / scales / contexts etc. Plenty of beauty and joy in my opinion, and a rather positive reflection on the quality of work being carried out by a number of good practices across the country.

Obviously I'm shocked and stunned to see a broadly negative response on these pages!

#8 Posted by Dave on 27 Feb 2024 at 09:48 AM

Everything here is just... nice. But thats all - nothing stands out, slaps you in the face and screams "THIS is Scottish architecture!". Will an architecture student travel to one of these buildings on a study trip; will an older architect visit and lament that they haven't made more of their career and designed something as incredible as this?

No.

We are a small country with lots of talent, but where is our Alvaro Siza, our Niemeyer, our Calatrava etc

#9 Posted by Simon says on 27 Feb 2024 at 14:59 PM

I also think this a good list. Despite my near stroke inducing reaction to MF's pretentious mince explanation of the design, Simon Square is a very lovely project.

#10 Posted by Lovely on 29 Feb 2024 at 13:32 PM

It's all pretty decent and interesting but definitely nothing to really set the heather on fire.

#11 Posted by Malcolm on 29 Feb 2024 at 14:42 PM

Simon 9, that was actually UR's write-up you were referring to at the time, not my original, top-quality mince. Glad you like the building.

Post your comments