RIAS Awards 2024: Shortlist for building of the year revealed Achi-News

The skilful reuse of existing buildings is a prominent theme running through the 2024 shortlist, which recognized major retrofits from the Burrell and another leading Scottish cultural institution – The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh.

Alongside these two notable cultural landmarks on the list are North Gate Social Housing and new facilities at the University of Aberdeen.

The rescue of a historic country farm at Ardoch in Aberdeenshire completes the shortlist, which is chosen as a reflection of architecture’s ability to elevate everyday environments and improve the lives of all who use them.

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Here are the projects that make the list:

Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects

Ardoch, Aberdeenshire (Image: Simon Kennedy)

Overlooking the River Dee, this hillside farm has been restored, restored and reinvented following a decade-long project of careful rebuilding supporting Scottish artisans and local traders.

Using a combination of traditional and contemporary methods, five buildings have been renovated or repurposed as a home, studio and orangery for the owners.

The jury described the project as an example of contemporary repair, where the art and craft of the existing buildings have been repeated in a reinterpretation of their own architectural language.

North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow by Page\Park Architects

Northgate Social Housing (Image: Nick Kane) North Gate is an urban social housing scheme on the south side of Glasgow, designed primarily to suit the needs of older residents and enable them to lead active, independent lives: providing much needed social housing whilst contributing to a wider regeneration program in the city. .

It consists of 31 flats with shared facilities including a communal lounge, kitchen, activity area, bike storage and laundry. The jury was impressed by the architects’ commitment to providing entertaining, attractive and highly detailed homes – which were clearly loved by residents and created a new part of the city.

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow by John McAslan + Partners

The Burrell Collection (Image: Hufton and Crowe) John McAslan + Partners have renovated this internationally significant building and Scottish cultural icon, opening up the heart of the museum to create a three-storey atrium, unlocking additional space and improving connections throughout the building.

The judges praised the project as a thoughtful and bold re-imagining of an innovative building from the late 20th century, and an outstanding retrofit that will enable visitors to engage with more of the Burrell collections for generations to come.

Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh by Reiach and Hall Architects

Fruit Market Gallery (Image: Ruth Clark)

This popular gallery has been refurbished and extended, bringing an adjacent warehouse building into use to support Scottish culture and contemporary art. While the work to the original gallery is a subtle upgrade to its popular interior, the extension is a wealth of structure and rough materials to create a dark, unobstructed and materially intense space.

The judges praised Reiach and Hall Architects’ expression of a contemporary architectural spirit of reuse and openness, and for challenging how art can be displayed and received.

Aberdeen University Science and Teaching Center by Reiach and Hall Architects

Aberdeen University Center for Science and Teaching (Image: Niall Hastie) This building enables, promotes and signifies the importance of scientific learning to the University, and makes a major contribution to innovative scientific research in Scotland with new state-of-the-art facilities.

Laboratories from a variety of departments are brought together into a single entity, with a series of flexible, digital laboratory spaces. Partly inspired by Enlightenment buildings, the building exudes a sense of calm and controlled scientific optimism, and impressed the jury with its high quality and architectural precision.

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The RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award was established in 2002 with a mission to discover and celebrate the best building in Scotland each year.

All types of architectural projects in Scotland are eligible, and are assessed by an expert jury who look at the architectural integrity, usability and context, presentation and execution, and sustainability of each project.

The shortlist comes from the winners of the 2024 RIAS Awards, which were announced in June.

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The jury for the 2024 Doolan Prize is: David Kohn (chair) – director, David Kohn Architects; Gabriella Bennett – author and journalist; and Karen Anderson – president, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

The award is named in memory of its founder, architect/developer Andy Doolan, who died in 2004. The award is now in its 20th year through the kind support of the Doolan family, and ongoing support from Scottish Government.

With past winners including the Scottish Parliament building, the award continues to highlight Scottish Architecture to a global audience.

David Kohn, chairman of the Doolan Prize 2024 jury, said: “Shortlisting for this year’s Doolan Prize was both an honor and a challenge: a wealth of ambitious projects deserved further celebration.

“The final five unanimously chosen showcase the breadth of contemporary Scottish architecture, from the fine craft to the handsome urban, from reviving national treasures to world-class facilities. Karen, Gabriella and I are excited to experience the projects first-hand and discuss whether it will be the best building in Scotland in 2024.”

The winner of the 2024 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award will be announced on 22 November.