Hoskins Architects’ overhaul of Aberdeen Art Gallery has been named as the winner of the 2021 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
Hoskins Architects won the award for its decade-long redevelopment of Aberdeen Art Gallery, which saw the listed 19th-century building extensively refurbished and extended to improve visitor experience and environmental performance.
An angular copper roof extension houses a suite of new galleries with views across the city, while in the existing building below existing exhibition, education and back-of-house facilities have been upgraded.
“Aberdeen Art Gallery is an outstanding building and a highly deserving winner of the 2021 Doolan Award. Hoskins Architects have brought a piece of Scottish heritage into the 21st century with humility, skill and sensitivity,” said RIAS President Christina Gaiger.
“In the face of the climate emergency, how we upgrade, respect and adapt our existing building stock is absolutely crucial. In Aberdeen Art Gallery we have an outstanding example of how a public building, thanks to talented architects and far-sighted clients, exemplifies the smart re-use of an existing building, as part of a collective regenerative response to climate change.”
“We’re privileged to have a talented team and exceptional client. This special award is testament to the effort and commitment from the many people involved in the design and delivery of this fantastic project throughout the years,” said Hoskins Architects director Chris Coleman-Smith.
“The team has done an exceptional job of subtly and sensitively restoring original features of the 19th century building and improving fabric performance, alongside confident alteration and the bold addition of new elements that enhance the visitor experience, knitting together a thread of careful conservation and the requirements of a world class, 21st century gallery.”
The annual Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award was set up in memory of the late architect and developer Andy Doolan and carries a £10,000 cash.
The jury for this year’s award was chaired by past RIAS president, Professor Robin Webster OBE and comprised Brian McGinlay of McGinlay Bell Architects, Ann Allen, the chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and CEO of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, alongside former RIAS trustees Catriona Hill of Oberlanders/CH Architecture and architect Neil Ferguson.
They selected Aberdeen Art Gallery from a shortlist that included Bayes Centre in Edinburgh by Bennetts Associates, The Egg Shed in Ardrishaig by Oliver Chapman Architects, The Hill House Box at Helensburgh by Carmody Groarke and the Sportscotland National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde by Reiach and Hall Architects.
The winner of the last Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award in 2019 was The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience in Craigellachie by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
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