The shortlists have been announced for the 2022 Learning Places Scotland Awards and we are delighted that several of our education projects have been shortlisted! The Awards comprise of 11 categories recognising contractors, consultants, clients, architects and projects as well as technology and innovation and it is an honour to be considered alongside such a fantastic selection of projects and nominees. This week we would like to share with you the projects that have been shortlisted…

Good luck to all our fellow shortlisted nominees in this category and we are looking forward to seeing you all at the conference and awards dinner in November!

Early Learning & Childcare Award – East Renfrewshire Early Years

East Renfrewshire Council had identified key locations for the development of their early years provision across the Council’s locale, whilst each site was different, there was a common aim to develop the RIBA Stage 2 concept designs as a “family” of buildings “all alike but different”. The nurseries are to act as “brand buildings” in the Council’s estate portfolio: recognisable examples of the importance the Council places on this important provision across their region.

Upon entering the nurseries there is a clear view through the play spaces into the all-weather learning space and to the landscape beyond. A strong roof profile was designed to create a contemporary vernacular language. The designs relate closely to their context and site conditions.

The design solution is based on a simple spatial sequence of ‘arrival and welcome’, moving into a large open plan learning landscape with bespoke learning settings arranged by the teachers and pupils, moving into a covered outdoor play deck and finally the transition into the natural surrounding landscape used as an open learning space.

Photography Credit: Heron Bros