The 2026 Doolan Award shortlist: in conversation

The conversation will dive into the known and untold stories behind these schemes - looking at the ideas, challenges and opportunities that have shaped them, the transformative role that a client can play, and what effective retrofit looks like across different contexts. Together, Libby and the practices will also consider what the shortlisted projects might reveal about the future of Scottish architecture, as they discuss how we define good design, and the value of recognising this widely.

Panellists include:

• Rab Bennetts, Bennetts Associates for Edinburgh Futures Institute
• Ewan Imrie, Collective Architecture for Paisley Central Library
• James Lowe, Studio Octopi for Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion

The event forms part of Architecture and Design Scotland’s collaboration with SpACE and will include an opportunity to meet the shortlisted practices.

The event will also serve as the closing celebration for the week-long exhibition of the 2026 award-winning projects.

About the event:

Date: Thursday 8th October
Doors open: 5:30pm
Talk begins: 6pm
Venue: A&DS:SpACE, Level 0, Edinburgh Futures Institute, access directly from Middle Meadow Walk

A&DS:SpACE is a collaborative venue created by Architecture and Design Scotland and Space for Architecture, Carbon & Environment. Through exhibitions, events and public programming, it provides a platform for conversations about architecture, design, sustainability, placemaking and the future of Scotland's built environment.