Reflections and projections – Scotland’s design agency celebrates achievements

Press release 
25 January 2023

Architecture and Design Scotland, Scotland’s design agency, has launched its review of 2022 highlighting its achievements. It has also announced details of its work in 2023. As Scotland adopts a new National Planning Framework – with place at its heart – Architecture and Design Scotland will collaborate with all those who want to make the best of Scotland’s places.

Architecture and Design Scotland's Chief Executive, Jim MacDonald, said: “With budgets across the public sector stretched, collaboration is becoming more and more critical. We work to bring individuals and agencies together to deliver better places and buildings and contribute to a healthier, fairer and more sustainable Scotland. This is a key component of the Place Principle which has been adopted by public bodies.”

The annual review of 2022 includes details on:

• a pioneering data-mapping project to implement the 20-minute neighbourhood in Stewarton
• a collaboration with Learning through Landscapes to make Scotland’s school grounds climate-ready
• the expansion to nine towns and communities across Scotland to deliver community-based climate action in the Climate Action Towns project
• how we delivered advice on 18 health projects representing over £2bn of investment
• new work with Capability Scotland to consult on a ground-breaking care facility in Bertha Park
• a series of events and learning opportunities to engage more people with the built environment

Architecture and Design Scotland’s Chief Executive, Jim MacDonald, continued: “At Architecture and Design Scotland we are looking forward to another amazing year of supporting projects, places and people up and down the country.”

“Our teams will be working with partners to support new learning and healthcare buildings, develop place-based plans for our neighbourhoods, towns and cities and tackle the climate emergency. We will bring Scotland’s design talent to the international stage. We will also be taking stock of our efforts to change the way our places are planned and designed.”

Architecture and Design Scotland has shared its plans for 2023, which include:

• the launch of a new Place Forum to bring together practitioners and decision-makers from all sectors and all parts of the country
• support for the Scotland + Venice partnership in bringing work by the Architecture Fringe, ism and /other to the Venice Biennale in May
• continued work with new learning and healthcare buildings
• developing place-based plans for our neighbourhoods, towns and cities
• working with partners to support the implementation of the new National Planning Framework

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Header image by Miss Lydia Photography.