Fresh from being short-listed last week for the UK’s best new building, Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus is now competing for the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s (RIAS) Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland for 2022!
The campus, designed by architects Reiach and Hall, who designed all three of the College’s campuses, is up against another exceptional workplace, two pioneering new schools, and a mid-century architectural masterpiece which have been shortlisted for the prestigious award – one of the most significant architectural awards in the world, and the pinnacle of the RIAS annual awards programme.
Joining the campus building on the list are: High Sunderland, Galashiels by Loader Monteith; Jedburgh Grammar Campus, Jedburgh by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design; Lockerbie Sawmill, Lockerbie by Konishi Gaffney; and Quarry Studios, Aberdeenshire by Moxon Architects
2022 is the twentieth anniversary of the RIAS Doolan Award, which was established in 2002 with a mission to find and celebrate the best building in Scotland each year. All types of architectural projects in Scotland are eligible, including new-build, regeneration, restoration, extensions and interiors. Buildings are assessed by an expert jury who look at each project’s architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability. The shortlist is drawn from the winners of the 2022 RIAS Awards, which were announced in June.
The award is named in memory of its founder and patron, the inspired architect/developer Andy Doolan, who died in 2004. The architects of the winning building receive a £10,000 cash prize, making this one of the most significant architecture awards in the world. The award would not exist without Andy Doolan’s extraordinary generosity and vision, and his family have kindly continued their support. The Scottish Government also generously supports the award.
Chris Stewart PRIAS, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “It is exciting to see these five remarkable buildings on the shortlist for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. Our homes, schools and offices form the backdrop to our everyday lives, and this year’s shortlist shows how architects can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. This year’s shortlist also highlights the relevance of architecture to many of society’s most pressing issues – whether that is climate change, young people’s mental health or the future of the workplace. I am proud of Scotland’s architecture profession and this year’s shortlist demonstrates why it should be celebrated.”
Professor Ken Thomson OBE, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our Falkirk Campus is a finalist for the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. This is exciting for both the College and Scotland. Our stunning campus has captured the imagination of the architectural world and ensured we have successfully achieved our vision for the learning environments of the future. Our inspirational, contemporary design and progressive approach to space across the campus is set to benefit learners for years to come.
“The recognition for all our campuses has also demonstrated excellent public investment and proved the important role Forth Valley College is playing across both the education sector and the country as a whole.”