Shetland Museum and Archives Wins Design Award
The Shetland Museum and Archives has fended off stiff competition to win a prestigious design award at the Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) annual dinner last Friday (16th November).
Now in its 140th year, the Glasgow Institute of Architects recognise architectural brilliance in buildings designed by its members. The Shetland Museum and Archives was up against 46 other projects from around the UK, of which 10 were presented with awards.
Jimmy Moncrieff, who was there to collect the award, was delighted at the project receiving this recognition: “It’s fantastic that the Museum and Archives has yet again been recognised for its sympathetic yet original design. Many factors were considered when designing the building, giving a final design which carefully balanced the old and new. The external façade shows this especially well, where sections reflecting historic structures - such as Lodberries, Brochs and boat sails - are placed together with the original boat building sheds to create a stunning new design which is still sympathetic to its historic setting.”
Glasgow architects BDP worked closely with the Shetland Amenity Trust to bring the Museum and Archives building to life. One of the most innovative design features was the Boat Hall, a 20 metre high tower based on the shape of a traditional Shetland boat sail, containing boats suspended in the air. Another important feature was the use of recycled, reclaimed and traditional materials wherever possible.
Gerry Grams, chairman of the judging panel, explained what made this project stand out: “The quality of projects submitted was extremely high and the judges had a difficult time making the final selection. What made the Museum and Archives stand out was the bold juxtaposition of traditional forms and iconic structures in the architecture, including the stunning Boat Hall, and the extensive use of traditional materials. They were also impressed by the regenerative impact the Museum and Archives is having on the surrounding area.”