Royal Museum of Scotland wins RIAS Doolan Award

The Royal Museum of Scotland took home the UK’S largest architecture gong last night, being named “Best Building in Scotland” at the RIAS in Scotland Doolan Awards.

The recently completed refurbishment was chosen from 13 shortlisted projects.

Max Fordham worked on the mechanical and electrical service design, focusing on minimising energy consumption without compromising the Museum’s needs or the historic fabric of this Grade-A listed Victorian building.

Close-controlled environmental systems were designed only for galleries housing sensitive and temporary exhibits with unobtrusive security systems designed for the protection of valuable exhibits.

The three judges, Professor Andrew MacMillan, Sholto Humphries and David Mackay, praised what they’ve called "a clear winner".

“The original spatial quality of the building has been brilliantly recovered with a skilful play of light and movement through its spaces. All this is achieved with such subtlety that even some expert critics have failed to fully comprehend the care which has gone into its execution. This transformed museum now fully merits its national epithet. This sensitive and intelligent adaptation enhances both the building and the objects displayed within it.”

The museum has already attracted more than one million visitors since it reopened, far exceeding anticipated visitor targets.

For more information on the award win visit the RIAS website, or to find out about the project, visit the Royal Museum of Scotland website.