The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has published it annual architecture awards for 2014 which show the breadth of creativity in architectural profession in Scotland. A few will be highlighted here. One of the more interesting projects which was shortlisted is “District 10 – Unit 0.1 in Dundee, Scotland’s first office development created from recycled containers. This development is to house start-up businesses from the creative industries and is part of Dundee’s strategy for regeneration of its waterfront.
The £1.7m development, constructed from 37 disused shipping containers and conceived by Aim Design from Dundee, was officially opened in January this year, with tenants arriving from November 2013. It not only uses recycled materials, it also achieved a BREEAM rating of “Excellent”. Imaginative, colourful and fun, the development was completed in only 6 months.
Mick McHugh, Scottish Enterprise’s Tayside location director, commented at the opening: “District 10 is a fantastic addition to Dundee’s Waterfront, with its distinctive look ensuring it is a landmark in an area fast becoming a hot spot for creative companies….The building can flexibly accommodate up to 15 companies and is already attracting interest from other potential tenants. It’s entirely fitting that the first company in District 10, LAT_56, offers exclusive design-led products. When it opens, the V&A at Dundee will be a few minutes’ walk from District 10 and will showcase cutting edge design exhibits and architecture.”