The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has crowned John McAslan + Partners' 'bold' overhaul of Glasgow’s Burrell Collection as Scotland’s best new building
by Richard Waite

The Doolan Award judges praised the revamp as ‘an outstanding example of problem-solving and future-proofing that has rejuvenated an old friend’ and had been impressed by the practice’s ‘respectful and deferential approach [which] has transformed the building, without losing any of its architectural integrity’.

The retrofit, they said, had played a key role in helping to immerse more visitors in all aspects of the collection and the series of ‘approachable new entrances’ had helped make the museum a ‘more accessible visitor experience’.

The jury added that the refurbishment had made a ‘bold declaration about the role of architecture – a renewed confidence and belief in it – at a time when Glasgow and Scotland’s creative and cultural industries are in peril’.

Anderson said: ‘In the skilled hands of John McAslan + Partners, one of Scotland’s architectural gems has been given a new lease of life – saving the building and its incredible collection and making the museum greener and more welcoming to its thousands of visitors.'

‘It is a fantastic example of how an existing building can be adapted to address new and future needs and is unquestionably this year’s best building in Scotland.’

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image: ©Hufton + Crow