November 30 2021

Aberdeen Art Gallery by Hoskins Architects has been crowned as the best building in Scotland after picking up the 2021 Andrew Doolan Award, marking the return of the award following a year long absence. 

Subject to a decade-long redevelopment the cultural venue has been refurbished and extended to blend the best contemporary architecture with best practices in conservation and sustainability.

A dramatic rooftop cooper-clad vertical extension reaches out to the city, augmenting the institution with additional display and education space without compromising the A-listed landmark below which has undergone a comprehensive package of upgrades to building services and energy performance.

RIAS president Christina Gaiger said: “Hoskins Architects have brought a piece of Scottish heritage into the 21st century with humility, skill and sensitivity. In the face of the climate emergency, how we upgrade, respect and adapt our existing building stock is crucial."

Chris Coleman-Smith, director at Hoskins Architects, commented: “The team has done an exceptional job of subtly and sensitively restoring original features of the 19th century building and improving fabric performance, alongside confident alteration and the bold addition of new elements that enhance the visitor experience, knitting together a thread of careful conservation and the requirements of a world class, 21st century gallery."

The Doolan Award continues to be sponsored by the Doolan family following the passing of its founder, architect/developer Andy Doolan, in 2004. The previous Doolan prize winner was the Macallan Distillery in 2019.

2 Comments

#1 Posted by FHM on 30 Nov 2021 at 09:29 AM

This is extremely well deserved and it is good to see someone other than HFM get a large commission in Aberdeen. Though it would be good to get an update on the ongoing seagull protection works - last I saw they were erecting scaffolding over the roof extensions.

#2 Posted by Don Diamante on 3 Dec 2021 at 16:24 PM

So happy to see this as I feel it's a wonderful addition to the city.
The only downside to this project was the £5m overrun on costs, which I always feel is borderline negligent on the part of the architect.

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