Glasgow‘s Revitalized Burrell Collection Wins Scotland’s Top Architecture Prize
The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has been crowned Scotland’s best building of 2024. This prestigious title, awarded by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) as the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, recognizes the museum’s stunning refurbishment and its transformative impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
Originally designed by Barry Gasson, John Meunier, and Brit Andresen in 1983, the Burrell Collection underwent a comprehensive £68.25 million revamp led by John McAslan + Partners. The project breathed new life into the Grade A listed building, enhancing its environmental performance while significantly expanding its exhibition space.
Judges lauded the project as "an outstanding example of problem-solving and future-proofing that has rejuvenated an old friend." They were particularly impressed by John McAslan + Partners’ respectful and sensitive approach, which allowed them to modernize the building without compromising its original architectural integrity.
This reimagined museum can now host larger visitor groups and boasts improved connections to the surrounding park, drawing in both returning patrons and new audiences.
At a time when Scotland’s creative and cultural industries face challenges, the Burrell Collection’s refurbishment serves as a powerful statement about the transformative potential of architecture. As the RIAS noted, the project embodies the principle that "the greenest building is one that is already built," emphasizing the importance of adapting and revitalizing existing structures.
Thanks to the "Burrell Renaissance Project," the museum is more sustainable, accessible, and versatile, ensuring the preserved collection can be appreciated by generations to come.
The annual Andrew Doolan Award honors the legacy of architect and developer Andrew Doolan, who passed away in 2004. A jury of experts evaluate shortlisted buildings, winners from the RIAS Awards, based on various factors including architectural integrity, usability, context, delivery, and sustainability.
This year’s jury, chaired by David Kohn, director of David Kohn Architects, alongside author and journalist Gabriella Bennett and RIAS president Karen Anderson, unanimously selected the Burrell Collection as the winner.
Anderson praised the architects for giving "one of Scotland’s architectural gems a new lease of life," ensuring the building’s preservation and its remarkable collection’s accessibility to thousands of visitors each year. She emphasized this as a prime example of adapting existing buildings for contemporary needs, firmly cementing its position as Scotland’s best building in 2024.
The Burrell Collection expressed their delight on social media, thanking the judges for recognizing the project’s achievements. This prestigious win adds to the museum’s accolades, including being named the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2023.
This year has witnessed a range of outstanding building projects that celebrate cultural heritage. From London’s National Portrait Gallery, which underwent a major transformation, to the Black Country Living Museum’s new entrance building, each project showcased architectural excellence and a commitment to preserving and enhancing historic spaces for public benefit.
How has the refurbishment of the Burrell Collection preserved its architectural integrity while modernizing it?
## A Revitalized Gem: Interview with [Guest Name] on the Burrell Collection’s Win
**Interviewer:** Congratulations to Glasgow’s Burrell Collection on winning Scotland’s top architecture prize! [Guest Name], you’ve closely followed this project. What excites you most about this significant win?
**[Guest Name]:** This is fantastic news, not just for Glasgow but for Scotland’s architectural landscape. The Burrell Collection, originally designed by Barry Gasson, John Meunier, and Brit Andresen in 1983 [[1](https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/the-burrell-collection-reworked-by-john-mcaslan-architects)], was already a significant building. This refurbishment, led by John McAslan + Partners, has breathed new life into it, making it arguably even more impressive.
**Interviewer:** The RIAS praised the project for its sensitive approach to modernization. What are some specific examples of that?
**[Guest Name]:** John McAslan + Partners focused on a “fabric first” approach, prioritizing improvements to the building’s envelope before focusing on internal elements. This ensured that the building’s original architectural integrity was preserved while significantly enhancing its environmental performance. The judges were clearly impressed by this careful balance.
**Interviewer:** Beyond the architectural achievement, what impact do you think this revitalized museum will have on Glasgow and its cultural scene?
**[Guest Name]: ** The Burrell Collection has always been a beloved institution. This refurbishment will undoubtedly draw in both new audiences and returning visitors.
The expanded exhibition space and improved connections to the surrounding park create a more welcoming and accessible experience. In a time when cultural spaces are facing challenges, this project serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of architecture. [[1](https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/the-burrell-collection-reworked-by-john-mcaslan-architects)]
