September 11 2020

A difficult year has been lent some perspective by the 2020 Scottish Design Awards which highlighted the creative beacons which have done most to light our way out of lockdown.

The only awards programme to combine the architecture and design spheres the event is sponsored by Cosentino, Porcelanosa and Rock Rose as a mechanism for showcasing the full scope of the creative sector and the value it can add in terms of enhancing all of our lives.

The architecture component of the evening continues to build presence thanks to the efforts of Page\Park who secured a Grand Prix courtesy of their achievement at Leeds Playhouse. While much of the leisure economy remains stuck in the doldrums, Page/Park bring some much-needed joy to a struggling sector with a colourful approach.

Explaining their decision the architecture panel, chaired by Marina Strotz, president of Birmingham Architectural Association, said: "There's a willful and charming use of colour which a lot of architects shy away from. It's welcoming and not too stuffy and will encourage diverse audiences. There's a big wow about it and it's socially important.

"The ceramic patterning brings something creative and innovative back to the street. It's a happy, joyous building. The most striking piece of design."

The chairman's award meanwhile was received by GRAS Architects for their work at Kyle House, singled out for its 'timeless richness and charm' while Oliver Chapman Architects walked away with the practice of the year award having contributed two of the finest projects in this year's programme; The Egg Shed in Ardrishaig and the Flitch House, Edinburgh.

John Glenday, editor of media partner Urban Realm, said: "The Scottish Design Awards have capped a remarkable night to remember with a cavalcade of awards, commendations and presentations that kept the conversation flowing - even if the only wine flowing was our own.

"As the first all-digital presentation in the history of the award's, this year's event saw us conquer a new domain and in the process communicate outstanding design to all corners of the country. Truly this has been our most democratic award programme yet."

Catch up on all the winners in full by visiting the Scottish Design Awards directly. 

9 Comments

#1 Posted by Bill S on 11 Sep 2020 at 09:08 AM

A great evening of results which display the high calibre of architecture designed by Scottish firms.

A particular highlight was the St Albans Learning & Welcome Centre which showed an attention of detail that is often missing in new buildings and married a contemporary extension seamlessly into it's ecclesiastical context.

#2 Posted by Kit Kat on 11 Sep 2020 at 10:32 AM

It's great we can see the full presentation this year without having to buy tickets! Fantastic projects this year and well done Oliver Chapman Architects

#3 Posted by Whispering Andy on 11 Sep 2020 at 12:30 PM

I'm disappointed in the lack of diversity in the nominees. Another awards dominated by white males.

#4 Posted by John Glenday on 11 Sep 2020 at 13:14 PM

I was delighted to shout about the breadth of delivered work, as cited by our two female chairs.

#5 Posted by Unknown on 11 Sep 2020 at 17:29 PM

Perhaps these awards should recognise the architects involved. Technically I have a couple of projects with them. But you wouldn’t know that most of it was from me, rather people in the offices which had very little if not nothing to do with them.

#3 I think the above would help address this point, certainly in terms of sex.

Well done on St Albans, really looks good and not just in images which is a change for s&b.

#6 Posted by Anonymous on 12 Sep 2020 at 09:11 AM

Such a shame the awards didn’t recognise the wider teams and individuals behind the projects, this would definitely help show more diversity in terms of gender at least (and age). Surely it’s time to stop naming firms after men and referring to projects as being by the eponymous practice directors only

#7 Posted by Recycler on 12 Sep 2020 at 14:16 PM

#6 what's the solution? Submissions should include relevant staff working on project rather than the bosses that collect the award? Good luck!

#8 Posted by UR on 13 Sep 2020 at 11:38 AM

Ordinarily the awards are more group/team focused with winners invited onstage, acceptance speeches, photography and networking. Unfortunately that doesn't translate as well to YouTube.

#9 Posted by Recycler on 13 Sep 2020 at 15:52 PM

Yes, but we've all been there when a design partner collects the award and talks of the blood, sweat and tears. Just not theres!

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