At a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament, Shettleston Housing Association Offices, Glasgow, by Elder and Cannon Architects has been awarded the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2010, as the judges citation for the winning building highlights ‘the ingenuity of the new extension and the clever and careful way a historic [Edwardianbuilding and a very contemporary new structure have been brought together.’
From a shortlist of eleven projects the judges selected the McManus Galleries, Dundee by Page\Park Architects for a SpecialMention and the Shettleston Housing Association Offices as a clear winner. The award was presented by the Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Ms Fiona Hyslop MSP.
The winner of the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award received a gold medal designed by the Scottish sculptor Hazel Armour and a cheque for £25,000. This makes it the richest architectural prize in the UK and one of the most significant awards in Europe. The award is generously supported by the late Andrew Doolan’s family and by the Scottish Government.
The full citation reads:
“The former Co-operative halls, an Edwardian red sandstone building, is among the finest monuments within Shettleston. Its adaptation and extension provides a welcoming reception area, meeting rooms, open plan and cellular office spaces and a large boardroom. The roof of the extension is decked, providing an outdoor seating area.
The historic features of the former co-operative building, particularly the upper level proscenium and the double-height upper hall are respected within the new development. The two-storey extension provides the entrance to the linked spaces within. While its stripped-down contemporary form contrasts with the decorated sandstone of its neighbour, its scale is simultaneously respectful and distinctly of the current era. By extending the frame of the new building to the eaves level of its historic neighbour, these quite distinct structures are read as parts of an elegant entirety.
Internally the refurbished and new areas are naturally lit and ventilated. A palette of high quality materials creates an inviting suite of offices and meeting rooms. This is an important building for Shettleston. There is no question that new architecture of this quality will contribute to enhanced pride of place and hopefully serve as a catalyst to further high quality development in the area.”
The building was selected from a strong shortlist which represented a comprehensive range of building types, including housing, a restored cinema, a dramatic new pavilion at the entrance to the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and a centre for children with special needs. This year’s judges were Professor Andrew MacMillan (Chair), David Dunbar PRIAS, the Londonbased international architect Edgar Gonzalez and Jonathan Speirs, the world renowned lighting architect.
RIAS Award: LINK
