The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland has announced a shortlist of 13 buildings for this year's RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award which is jointly funded by the Scottish Government and the family of the late Andrew Doolan who founded the award.
"We got 35 submissions for this year's Doolan prize, a record," commented Sholto Humphries, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. "Getting that down to our shortlist was a tough task. Their geography covers the whole of Scotland and they range from a multi-million pound council office complex to the joyful transformation of a Glasgow motorway junction. I am looking forward to the challenge of selecting a winner from this diverse and brilliant bunch."
The shortlist, which ranges from Castle Douglas to Achiltibuie, comprises the following buildings:
10 Pearce Street, Govan
Austin-Smith:Lord LLP
"This project breaks the mould for housing association developments. Part of the regeneration of central Govan, it sets a new standard."
The Brochs of Coigach
SBA Architects Ltd
"In significant contrast to the trend for kit housing, these homes blend into their setting, built into the landscape with great care."
Centre for the Scottish War Blinded
PagePark Architects
"The legible plan is crucially important to the building's users but the spaces within are far removed from the institutional norm."
Dundee House
Reiach and Hall Architects
"The adaptation of this large existing building is imaginative and engaging, giving the Council a very friendly public face."
Glentress Peel Visitor Centre
Gaia Architects
"The three buildings on this site create new public, staff, research and educational facilities which are wholly appropriate to their special rural setting."
Grödians
Richard Gibson Architects
"A careful yet engaging new addition to the Lerwick landscape, understated in form but highly appealing - these new homes brighten the landscape."
Hillcrest Housing Association HQ
Nicoll Russell Studios
"An impressive achievement for the budget, this new building is human in scale and an inspiring workplace."
Hillhead Primary School
jmarchitects Ltd.
"Combining a school with publicly accessible facilities, this building is very contemporary and very welcoming."
The Houl
Simon Winstanley Architects
"Demanding some of Scotland's finest views, this unique sustainable home utilises traditional materials with great dexterity. "
Linlithgow Burgh Halls
Malcolm Fraser Architects
"Crucially important to the town, this re-use of a key historic building brings new life and vitality - an inspiring dialogue with the building's history."
The National Museum of Scotland
Gareth Hoskins Architects Ltd
"The "big moves" here are deftly delivered. This adaptation is sensitive and intelligent, enhancing both the building and the objects displayed within it."
Phoenix Flowers
7N Architects
"This highly unusual work of architecture enlivens a previously unpleasant public space and infuses it with joy."
University of Edinburgh Business School
LDN Architects
"The adaptation and extension of this important existing building is delivered with great care. However the interventions have their own distinct personality."
The judging panel for this year, chaired by Professor Andrew MacMillan, also includes RIAS President Sholto Humphries and international architect David Mackay who is an Honorary Fellow of the RIAS.
"The late and much missed Andrew Doolan knew what he was doing when he decided that Scotland should have the richest architectural prize in the UK," commented Professor MacMillan. "He laid down a challenge which Scottish architects have answered year on year with buildings which have a real sense of place and show just what good architecture delivers for Scotland."
An announcement of the jury's decision will be made by Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop and Andrew Doolan's mother, Mrs Margaret Doolan Hon FRIAS, at the Scottish Parliament on November 17, 2011.