Edinburgh firm wins architecture prize

The Development Trust’s Architectural competition reached its climax on Saturday 20th August with a gala final and prizegiving in the Burgh Hall. Fifty-six architectural firms entered the competition to redesign Kilcreggan village centre, and, in true X-Factor style, the six finalists presented their plans to the judges and the assembled community to sort out the winning designs.

The event was organised under the auspices of Glasgow Institute of Architecture, which gave considerable kudos to those reaching the short list. Each firm was allowed ten minutes to showcase their proposals before the judges convened in private to make their decision. Most of the judges were professional architects, with the Development Trust being represented by the two Vice-Conveners Arlene Cullum and Grant Watkinson. Christine Borland, Kilcreggan’s Turner Prize nominated sculptor, provided some additional artistic insight to the judging panel.

Highland Fault Beach and Pool in Konishi Gaffney's architectural design for Kilcreggan village

The winners were the Edinburgh based Japanese-Scottish firm Konishi Gaffney Architects with their concept of totemic landmarks that would enhance the village. Second were Lucid Architecture, and third were Gordon Murray Architects, both of whom are based in Glasgow. A special mention should be made of the four students from Kingston University, London, who came up for the final and more than held their own with the professionals.

The Echo Chamber in Konishi Gaffney's architectural design for Kilcreggan village

The Development Trust is grateful to Babcock for providing so much of the food alongside Colin and Alison Morrison from the Terrace Café, and Kevin Walker for the cocktail sausages. Thanks also to Paul Munro of the Lighthouse who donated considerable quantities of alcoholic refreshment and equipment, and to Adam and Rory MacDonald, who with their friends Erin and Chris, kept the cocktail bar going all night. We owe an enormous debt to Ian Hamilton, President of the GIA, David Ross, the competition organiser, and to Stephen Singer of Community Links Scotland, who not only brought us the idea, but also underwrote the finances.

With the hall again filled to capacity it was another great night for the village. Now all the Development Trust has to do is find the money to put some of these wonderful ideas into practice.