The entire roof was removed and a new copper-clad element built onto the existing granite walls
RIAS National Award winner 2021
RIAS Scottish Award winner 2021
Hoskins Architects for Aberdeen City Council
Contract value: undisclosed
GIA: 7,741m2
The redevelopment of this important art gallery is the result of a decade of intensive work by the architects, the gallery team, Aberdeen City Council and various international specialists and stakeholders.
The project delivers major new exhibition and education spaces, a complete renewal of servicing and environmental control systems, and dramatically improved art handling, storage, back of house and study facilities. The result is a spectacular triumph, retaining and enhancing the special character of the original spaces, while making major alterations such as removing the main staircase, which blocked the entrance, and placing it at the back of the building.
The dramatic new glazed roof allows natural light to flood into the Sculpture Court below. The removal of the staircase has created a welcoming, spacious entrance offering clear views and well-connected public routes into the Cowdray Hall and Remembrance Hall. The design, detailing and choice of materials respect and repair the existing to create a lively new art gallery that must now be one of the very best in the country.
See the rest of the RIAS Scottish winners here