Malcolm Fraser to chair Saltire awards
March 30 2011
This will see Fraser take the helm of the oldest design awards in Scotland which this year launches its newest category, ‘Innovation in Housing’.
Commenting on his appointment Fraser said: “The recent proliferation of housing lifestyle awards only serves to emphasise the long-view the Saltire Housing Design Awards commands. Here’s a 70 year heritage of critical examination and advocacy, and an unrivalled frontline engagement with an issue which is more urgent than ever.
“Not only do I look forward to seeing beautiful new homes and communities, but I’m eager to learn of the innovative new initiatives – whether technical, social or financial – that might reinvigorate their construction.”
Fraser assumes the role from John McAslan who was given the same position last year.
8 Comments
#1 Posted by Kid on 31 Mar 2011 at 07:45 AM
the question is will RMJM be submitting any projects in light of Malcolm’s appointment
#2 Posted by Alan Dunlop on 31 Mar 2011 at 17:03 PM
Good choice, maybe have some fresh, contemprary thinking for the Saltire's now. At last
#3 Posted by Jock Tamson on 31 Mar 2011 at 18:11 PM
Indeed Mr Dunlop. Perhaps we may even see architects not connected with the Saltire Society winning an award!
#4 Posted by Oculus on 1 Apr 2011 at 10:56 AM
Fresh contemporary thinking for the Saltire maybe, but the problem remains the same.
You can’t make great residential architecture in Scotland without the support of an exceptional client who actually wants – great residential architecture – Then you have to persuade a largely backward thinking planning beaurocracy that your proposals are acceptable (whilst of course you can still be mugged at committee by aged nimby councillors), and then convince a sceptical building standards officer plugging their own mundane agenda that your building will not blow away or burst into flames.
…and then, (if your client still has the energy but not quite enough cash) persuade a bank or mortgage company to extend funds to allow then to build – tough if your design is in timber, has a flat roof or is contemporary in any way.
And finally when it’s all done – a surveyor will come along and value the finished building at less that the cost of the land and build – because its not traditional.
Unless there is a lot of stuff out there which the Saltire Society has not been invited to judge?
Then I think, Alan and Jock – you both miss the point somewhat?
You can’t make great residential architecture in Scotland without the support of an exceptional client who actually wants – great residential architecture – Then you have to persuade a largely backward thinking planning beaurocracy that your proposals are acceptable (whilst of course you can still be mugged at committee by aged nimby councillors), and then convince a sceptical building standards officer plugging their own mundane agenda that your building will not blow away or burst into flames.
…and then, (if your client still has the energy but not quite enough cash) persuade a bank or mortgage company to extend funds to allow then to build – tough if your design is in timber, has a flat roof or is contemporary in any way.
And finally when it’s all done – a surveyor will come along and value the finished building at less that the cost of the land and build – because its not traditional.
Unless there is a lot of stuff out there which the Saltire Society has not been invited to judge?
Then I think, Alan and Jock – you both miss the point somewhat?
#5 Posted by Alan Dunlop on 1 Apr 2011 at 11:20 AM
Architecture, eh...........just one damn thing after another. Still, it's being so cheerful that keeps me going and the herbal tea.
#6 Posted by Malcolm Fraser on 1 Apr 2011 at 14:26 PM
Making good houses isn't easy just now; but then neither is making bad ones. The more stories we have of how fresh thinking and good architecture have made places where people want to live - and might, by extension, like to pay good money to live in - the more evidence we have to gainsay the negative attitudes that injure us. I hope anyone and everyone is thus encouraged to come forward.
#7 Posted by J C Maxwell on 2 Apr 2011 at 00:50 AM
Can't the fresh, dynamic, exciting, rejuvenated, under new ownership etc Urban Realm find a new picture of you? How old is that one now?
And why is Alan Dunlop playing sucky up to Malcolm? It won't last. It will be handbags at dawn before long.
And why is Alan Dunlop playing sucky up to Malcolm? It won't last. It will be handbags at dawn before long.
#8 Posted by h.a. on 4 Apr 2011 at 12:34 PM
how's a jury going to change anything? If there is no good housing, he will have to choose the least bad building, as it'll be the case
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