Scotland’s architecture carries significant weight. With projects spanning across ten millennia, the country boasts incredible heritage and dramatic landscapes. Known for ancient roundhouses, hidden souterrains, and famous castles, Scotland also possesses many dynamic modern structures. Famous Scottish architects like Charles Mackintosh, William Playfair, and James Stirling all helped to ground new approaches to architecture, proposing designs that would later shape the development of the Modern movement across the United Kingdom. Today, Scottish cities house iconic landmarks, including the titanium-clad Glasgow Science Centre, the glass-fronted Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre. Often standing in contrast to surrounding sandstone fabrics, these buildings begin to embody exciting ideas and concepts for modern practice.
While conservation and renovation projects comprise a large portion of Scottish construction, an impressive range of new projects have been created by celebrated architects. The following collection showcases some of these compelling designs, as well as their individual approach to both rural and urban contexts. With a great variety of scales and programs, the projects all share a common exploration into light and how to establish engaging sectional qualities. Drawn from across Scotland, the collection displays the diversity of architecture across the country and each project’s unique formal explorations. Enjoy the journey to Embra and back:
© Malcolm Fraser Architects
Scottish Ballet by Malcolm Fraser Architects, Glasgow, Scotland
The Scottish Ballet was designed around a ‘Court’ space which acts as the heart of the project, as well as strong visual connections and proportions. Programmatically, the building combined four zones: technical, wardrobe, administrative, and ballet.
Clyde Auditorium by Foster + Partners, Glasgow, Scotland
Commonly referred to as the “The Armadillo,” Foster’s auditorium and concert venue has become an iconic building along the river Clyde. Resting on what was previously the Queen’s Dock, the new building is clad in flat sheet metal attached to framed “hulls” which wrap the structure.
Maggie’s Centre Dundee by Gehry Partners, Dundee, Scotland
Modeled on the traditional Scottish “but n’ ben” dwelling, Frank Gehry’s Maggie’s Centre was the first new-build Maggie’s Centre. The design includes a cottage-like white building with an undulating silver roof. The building was created as a tranquil, calm drop-in center for those affected by cancer.
University of Aberdeen New Library by schmidt hammer lassen architects, Aberdeen, Scotland
As one of the oldest English-language universities in the world, the University of Aberdeen houses over a quarter of a million books and manuscripts. The new library was designed to include 1,200 reading spaces, as well as space for the book collection and archive. The building was also created around a new public square which connects the university to the surrounding community.
Reid Building, The Glasgow School of Art by Steven Holl Architects, Glasgow, Scotland
Steven Holl’s design for the Reid Building was designed to contrast the existing Glasgow School of Art building. Expanding on the original building’s sensitivity to natural light, Holl’s design includes voids of light, a connective circuit, and a carefully landscaped exterior social space.
© Dualchas Architects
© Dualchas Architects
Raasay Hall by Dualchas Architects, Glasgow, Scotland
This hall was designed to replace a former house that had been used for gatherings, talks, and concerts. Programmatically, the hall incorporates space for a film club, disco, and concerts, as well as a gym for indoor football and badminton.
© McAteer Photograph
Glasgow Museum of Transportby Zaha Hadid Architects, Glasgow, Scotland
Commonly referred to as the Riverside Museum, this museum was designed as a continuous extrusion that opens at both ends. Inspired by waves, the building’s pleated roof creates an iconic profile along the waterfront. The museum symbolizes the relationship between Glasgow and the ship-building industry of the river Clyde.
© Keith Hunter
The Scottish Parliament by Miralles Tagliabue, Edinburgh, Scotland
Designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, the Scottish Parliament has arguably become one of the most famous buildings in Scotland. The structure was designed to reflect Scotland itself and qualities of the landscape. Elements like peat, turf, and water helped create a formal expression for the building, as well as local boats.