The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Thursday 23 June) announced Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus as one of 29 winners of the 2022 RIBA National Awards for architecture.
The awards, which have been presented since 1966, recognise the UK’s best new buildings and provide an insight into the UK’s latest design and economic trends.
This year’s projects showcased the extraordinary breadth and brilliance of UK architecture today. Key trends among this year’s award winners included: Uniting communities, Housing for the future, Restoration and adaptation of existing buildings.
Forth Valley College’s £78 million Falkirk Campus also recently won a RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) National Architects Award for 2022. The campus was one of eight buildings awarded the prestigious prize from a 14 strong short-list.
Last year, Reiach and Hall also won the Higher Education prize at the 2021 AJ Architecture Awards for their Falkirk Campus design. The College’s Falkirk Campus also came top in the Scottish Design Awards category of Architecture: Education Building or Project.
The recognition might well not end there, as there is a possibility the Falkirk Campus could be unveiled on the shortlist for the prestigious Stirling Prize in July.
RIBA President, Simon Allford, said: “At a time when we need to bring people together and plan for a sustainable future, this year’s RIBA National Award-winning buildings offer much hope. This is a powerful collection of buildings that show, despite the economic, political and social turmoil of the last few years, how great architecture can emerge even in challenging conditions.
“As we start to settle from the pandemic, I am particularly encouraged by the number and quality of new buildings designed to foster community. From local cultural hubs to reinvigorated accessible arts venues, these projects demonstrate the power of good architecture to lift spirits and enhance lives.
“I congratulate every client, architect and construction team for their achievements.”
Professor Ken Thomson OBE, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “We are once again absolutely ecstatic that our Falkirk Campus has been named as a winner of another prestigious architecture award – this time a UK wide RIBA National award. It is further recognition of our inspirational, contemporary design and progressive approach to space across the campus.
“Reiach and Hall have put exceptional thought into the design of the building and have played a vital role in realising our vision for the campus. We must thank them, and also our main contractors Balfour Beatty, our staff, students and stakeholders for their part in delivering a 21st century campus that we can all enjoy and be proud of.”
For more information on the 2022 RIBA National Award winners visit https://bit.ly/39O6pwg The 2022 RIBA National Awards are sponsored by Forterra.