The RIAS/Saint-Gobain Emerging Architect Award recognises the crucial role architects play in delivering a better world and encourages the great architects of the future at the outset of their careers.
This year’s award went to Emma Fairhurst from Collective Architecture for her inspiring work on Collective on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.
Commenting on the project, Stuart McKill, Business Development Director for Saint-Gobain, said:
‘This project demonstrates the best in restoration and creative redevelopment across this important World Heritage site. In delivering this project Emma has brought together old and new architecture whilst giving excellent consideration to the surrounding environment.
The use of materials and a prism of contemporary culture add further to the project given the sites history whilst recognising what a "City Observatory" could mean today. The new structures and renovations within the site boundary are wholly appropriate delivering an ambience of light, warmth and comfort, creating a desire to explore further which is indeed the purpose.
Without doubt Emma's solution to the site will bring much interest, enjoyment and engagement to this project and all who visit for many years to come. As such Emma is a most worthy winner of this year's Saint-Gobain Emerging Architect Award.’
