Chosen as the winner of the 2024 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, the 68.25 million Burrell Renaissance project saw off two schemes by Reiach and Hall Architects, the rescue of a historic rural farmstead by Moxon Architects and the North Gate Social Housing, Glasgow, by Page\Park Architects.John McAslan + Partners was asked to carry out the most comprehensive refurbishment of the museum since the building, designed by Barry Gasson, John Meunier and Brit Andresen, was opened in 1983.The scheme repaired the Category A-listed building, upgraded its environmental performance and enabled more of the collection to be displayed.AdvertisementThe 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 practices 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.This is a bold declaration about the role of architectureThe 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 Scotlands creative and cultural industries are in peril.The finalists for the prize, drawn from the winners of each years RIAS Awards, were assessed by an expert jury, who visited each of the projects.The judges were chaired by David Kohn, director, David Kohn Architects, alongside author and journalist Gabriella Bennett and RIAS president Karen Anderson.AdvertisementAnderson said: In the skilled hands of John McAslan + Partners, one of Scotlands 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 years best building in Scotland.The annual award was founded in 2002 by architect and entrepreneur, the late Andrew Doolan, and was famously billed as the richest architectural award in the UK, initially boasting a 25,000 top prize at the time 5,000 more than what the winner of the Stirling Prize received. In 2019 the Doolan jackpot fell to 10,000 and there was no cash payment to this years winner. The AJ understands the RIAS continues to explore a number of sponsorship options so a prize fund can be brought back in future years.Last years RIAS Doolan Award went to Ann Nisbet Studio for its Cuddymoss scheme, a home within a ruin in Ayrshire, which the Doolan judges described as carefully positioned and playful. It was the first one-off house to pick up the prize. Source:Hufton + CrowDoolan finalist: The Burrell Collection, Glasgow, by John McAslan + PartnersRIAS Doolan Award shortlist with judges citations[WINNER] The Burrell Collection, Glasgow John McAslan + PartnersJohn McAslan + Partners has refurbished this internationally significant building, opening up the heart of the museum to create a three-storey atrium, unlock additional space and improve connections throughout the building. The judges praised the project as a considerate and bold reimagining of a seminal late-20th-century building and an exemplary retrofit that will allow visitors to engage with more of the Burrells collections for generations to come.Ardoch, Ballater, Aberdeenshire Moxon ArchitectsNorth Gate Social Housing, Glasgow Page\Park ArchitectsAn urban social housing scheme on the south side of Glasgow, North Gate is primarily designed to suit the needs of older residents, enabling them to lead active, independent lives. It comprises 31 apartments with shared facilities including a communal lounge, kitchen, activity area, bike store and laundry. The jury were impressed by the architects commitment to provide convivial, attractive and robustly detailed homes clearly adored by residents and making for a new part of the city.The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh Reiach and Hall ArchitectsThis popular gallery has been refurbished and extended, bringing a neighbouring warehouse building into use. While the work to the original gallery is a subtle upgrade to its much-loved interiors, the extension is a rich tangle of structure and rough materials to create a dark, uninhibited and materially intense space. The judges praised Reiach and Hall Architects expression of a contemporary architectural spirit of reuse and openness, and for challenging how art can be displayed and received.University of Aberdeen Science and Teaching HubReiach and Hall ArchitectsThis building enables, promotes and signifies the importance of scientific learning to the university, city and the wider region. Laboratories from a range of departments are gathered into a singular entity, with a series of flexible, digitally enhanced lab spaces. Inspired in part by buildings of the Enlightenment period, the building exudes a sense of quiet and controlled scientific optimism. It impressed the jury with its high quality and architectural precision.