Forth Valley College's Falkirk campus could be named the best new building in the UK, having made the shortlist for the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. It is one of six UK buildings to be in the running for the Stirling prize for architecture, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
According to RIBA, the award is given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment. RIBA's judges liked how the the building is "organised in a grid with courtyards, streets, open learning spaces, and closed classrooms mingling together to create a vibrant learning environment".
They also picked out details, such as the ceiling lights, saying: "This shows a level of care, design, coordination, and craftsmanship that is only evident in projects of this nature through the careful hand of talented architects and the strong leadership of clients with belief in the process."
Architects Reiach and Hall were thrilled with the news, saying: "We are absolutely delighted that Forth Valley College Falkirk campus has made the shortlist for the RIBA 2022 Stirling Prize.
"This represents the culmination of well over a decade of work for Forth Valley College across three campuses Alloa, RIAS Award 2012, Stirling, RIAS Award 2013 and RIBA National Award 2013.
"Architecture is the result of many people’s and organisation’s skills, ideas and determination. Thanks to all of our own team past and present and to the whole extended design and delivery team, Keppie Design, Balfour Beatty plc, KJ Tait Engineers, AECOM, horner + maclennan landscape architecture.
"We must however pay particular thanks and offer our sincere congratulations to Forth Valley College. As a client, over many years Forth Valley College, brought their own ambition, imagination and energy to bear on the project in pursuit of the best facilities for their students and staff."
Making the shortlist is just the latest among several accolades for the £78 million campus, designed by Reiach and Hall Architects with Keppie design.
Last month it was named by RIBA as one of 29 winners of the 2022 RIBA National Awards for architecture.
The building also recently won a RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) National Architects Award for 2022, one of eight buildings to be awarded the prestigious prize from a 14-strong short-list.
After the college was announced as a winner of the 2022 RIBA National Awards for architecture, Professor Ken Thomson OBE, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “Reiach and Hall have put exceptional thought into the design of the building and have played a vital role in realising our vision for the campus.
"We must thank them, and also our main contractors Balfour Beatty, our staff, students and stakeholders for their part in delivering a 21st century campus that we can all enjoy and be proud of.”
