GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND 40 ENGINEERING REPORT

IN THE HEART OF GALASHIELS A NEW GALLERY HAS BROUGHT FRESH VITALITY TO A STRUGGLING HIGH STREET WITH A BUILDING THAT STANDS AS A NEW SYMBOL FOR CULTURE-LED REGENERATION. WE LOOK AT HOW DARING ARCHITECTURE ALLOWS THE TAPESTRY WITHIN TO BE APPRECIATED ANEW AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR BROADER REGENERATION IN A PROUD TEXTILE TOWN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH HUNTER.

Previous page - A jagged roof profile is reflected internally to maximise headroom Above - Right angles are hard to find at the faceted Gala gallery

In the heart of Galashiels, a new museum has begun weaving its magic to tourists and locals alike having stitched a custom-built gallery to the High Street that provides a home for The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Built around a single exhibit the gallery provides a permanent home for the history-making tapestry, in a faceted first-floor chamber that displays the one-off creation, which was painstakingly assembled at the hands of a thousand stitchers. Condensing 12,000 years of history into a single cloth the tapestry represents the vision of Alexander McCall Smith and was designed by Andrew Crummy with an accompanying narration written by Alistair Moffat.

This unique creation demanded a unique environment to do it justice with the challenge falling to Page\Park Architects, who have spent the past 6 years delivering the build on behalf of the Scottish Borders Council. Explaining the lengths the practice went to with the project architect Suzy O’Leary told Urban Realm: “Gala is a really important place to locate this tapestry, as a textile town it was hugely prosperous in the 19th century but since lockdown, like a lot of regional towns, it has struggled. The council wanted to kickstart regeneration by locating a cultural building on the High Street.

“We needed to make it relevant to Galashiels, not something parachuted in, it’s about the local people, their history, the landscape and the town. It’s located in a valley by the River Tweed in the town centre and a conservation area. You look out over a roofscape that we wanted the gallery to nestle into. That’s where the folding roof started. We didn’t want just a big white block.”

“It tells the history of Scotland and was made by the hands of a thousand stitchers, predominantly older women who do not necessarily have a strong voice in society. It was important to showcase this in a celebratory way.”

At 143m the tapestry is almost as long as the history it documents presenting practical issues around how best to display a two-dimensional artwork in a three-dimensional building without recourse to a daunting linear route. O’Leary said: “It travelled around Scotland for six years and we went to see it a few times. It’s very long and almost too much to take in at once so we needed to design it in a way that made it easier to digest. We developed a radial plan which was about creating smaller galleries inside the bigger gallery so you got an impression of the size of it and the length of time it covers. A corridor experience is very tiring and it becomes hard to

concentrate. The circular movement works well in the compact building.”

Rooted in the historic High Street as a modern addition to a jumbled skyline, the gallery houses a central chamber formed from folding fabric walls that merge with the ceiling, with the radial artwork sweeping around the room in one continuous linear display. At each corner generous windows look out to the surrounding hills, grounding the display space in its environment. Above the first-floor tapestry room, an oculus looks down, lending a spiritual quality to the space that is as far removed from the traditional white box gallery as it is possible to get, delivering a far more dynamic and tactile response - but why pursue such a radical solution for something as traditional as tapestry? “Box galleries are all about flexibility and displaying different types of work. This was about displaying a single object, though huge,” explained O’Leary. “The council wanted the architect and the artist to work together to create an immersive experience.”

This process of collaboration hinged on close dialogue with Crummy to ensure the tapestry display was not compromised in any way. O’Leary recalled: “We asked if there were any natural breaks in the story or any panels which had to be together. He said it’s a linear story but you can jump in and out of it. Although they are hung chronologically it doesn’t matter to him where >

Above - Structural Axo Below - Roof Axo

Left - The 143m tapestry documents key events from the past 12,000 years Right - The gallery doubles as a place for social gathering

the breaks happened. We just didn’t want to break it up into multiple galleries where you might lose the sense of scale.

“The ceiling started with the folding roof but there was a pragmatism to the interior. The roof trusses are really big as is the ring beam which they sit on. If you put a ceiling on it would appear short because the structure is so big, so it was shaped to follow that structure and grab every last bit of space available. With the fabric, we just wanted something that referenced textile production and the fabric was finished in Galashiels in a colour inspired by the landscape. The tapestry is colourful so our interiors have a subtle palette. It doesn’t feel like a ceiling but rather a sculptural object.”

Connected by a glazed link to the B-listed Old Post Office building the visitor centre responds to its ornate neighbour with vertical and horizontal bands of stonework, likened to the warp and weft of textiles. O’Leary continued: “We do a lot of conservation work so we spent a lot of time looking at the history of the place and trying to understand its essence. The post office houses an education room, it was in great condition so we didn’t do much to it but that post office was a symbol of the prosperity of Gala. It was important to link back to that history. We used the width of the stone banding in the Post Office to inform the striated facade of our building. We also carry through first-floor datums to bring the two buildings together.”

Opening at the right time to spearhead Galashiels postCovid recovery the gallery has already given rise to several yarn shops that have opened up to cater for a flood of visitors making the trip down from Edinburgh. This has been aided by an open embrace of the street as O’Leary explains: “The entrance to the building cantilevers out over the street, it was an existing condition but we shaped it so you see it in the street as you walk down from the train station. You can also see out down the High Street when climbing the main stairs so there is a strong connection, it engages with the town.”

In an era of standardisation where traditional crafts can feel as distant as the history represented by the tapestry, the gallery points to a greater symbiosis between art and architecture where elements of craft and local trades replace off the shelf products and globalised trade. The result is a building that fashions not just an improved connection with history but a confident embrace of the future.

Client: Scottish Borders Council Structural Engineer: Goodsons Associates Services/Fire engineers: Atelier 10 Project management/cost consultant: Turner & Townsend Main contractor: Ogilvie Construction

URBAN REALM LOOKS AT THE ROLE ENGINEERS CAN PLAY IN HELPING TO BUILD BACK BETTER. WHERE ARE THE PROJECTS, WHO ARE THE PEOPLE AND WHAT ARE THE PRACTICES WHO ARE HELPING US NAVIGATE ALL THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF A FAST-CHANGING WORLD WHERE EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN?

R O L L M O D E L S

Kathryn Donald, Partner and Digital Design Leader Max Fordham (Edinburgh)

How has your office adapted to changed working practices? Over the last few years, we have been focused on digitalising our engineering processes and delivery. We are seeing real benefits of this, including the ability to automate tasks, improve innovation, and save engineers a considerable amount of time. This had additional benefits at the start of the pandemic with engineers able to access tools and information seamlessly when working from home. The next stage of this development is structuring our engineering data, enabling more automation of tasks and, more importantly, better sharing of what solutions have the biggest effect on the environmental impact of the buildings we design.

What role can engineers play in decarbonising construction? Minimising the impact the construction industry has on the planet is a huge task and no single group can change the status quo by themselves, it is going to take a concerted effort by all. At Max Fordham, we have taken our Building Services Engineers Declare commitment seriously and now provide a free net zero carbon service on all projects, which includes an early-stage workshop, suggestions of energy strategies that could achieve a net zero carbon building, and undertaking two years of post-occupancy evaluation. This enables us to deliver better buildings in occupation and to learn lessons we can then integrate into future designs. >

What’s the key to a successful partnership with the architect? Communication is key. Good communication fosters trust and, with that, a good working relationship. In my experience, most misunderstandings or issues on projects arise through inadequate communication. The need to decarbonise construction requires us to adapt our approach to designing buildings; what we have done in the past isn’t going to cut it anymore. Good communication and sharing of information/designs between design team members is even more vital if we are going to be successful.

Isla Jackson, Chartered Structural Engineer Civic Engineers

How can engineers build back better? Engineers have an absolutely fundamental role to play in building back better. Even before the pandemic we were living in an age of disruption. There was much debate about the future of our cities and how the challenges relating to them are intrinsically linked to the global climate crisis. As engineers, our aim is to solve complex problems through a creative process that improves people’s quality of life.

We want to create and revitalise spaces, structures and neighbourhoods so communities can flourish and thrive. This is about placing climate sensitivity and its protection at the heart of all we do and unlocking the power of place and community.

What project exemplifies your studio ethos? Glasgow City Council’s Custom House Quay project exemplifies our ethos. This complex project demonstrates our love of working in a truly collaborative way, our ability to solve complex problems, our belief in looking at places and buildings as part of a wider neighbourhood rather than in isolation and our technical excellence across engineering disciplines. It also reinforces our vision that everything we do should have a positive impact on the environment and enhance people’s quality of life. Custom House Quay will see an attractive waterfront area created by extending the River Clyde’s north bank and upgrading quay walls to create mixed use development plots, as well as the creation of an enhanced green space.

How has your office adapted to changing working practices? Like everyone else, we had no other option than to adapt quickly and implement remote working. Our team embraced this challenge and we ensured we supported them by focusing heavily on internal communications and ensuring that our values, particularly in relation to collaboration, curiosity and helpfulness were truly lived.

Above - BakerHicks are on the frontline of a health revolution at The Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre Below - David Narro Associates have played a central role in establishing Claypits Park as a haven for people and nature

This meant that despite the fact we were not under the same roof, a strong team ethos remained. Looking to the future, we have worked with our teams to shape what our ‘better normal’ looks like. We want to take the benefits of remote working with us but also believe that consistent time together in our studios is crucial to ensure we continue to learn, collaborate, innovate and most importantly spend time with each other.

Mairi Murray Principal BREEAM Assessor & Sustainability Champion BakerHicks

How can engineers help to build back better? The Covid-19 pandemic exposed social and economic weaknesses we need to overcome, but it also demonstrated just what we can achieve by working together. As an industry we need to take this lesson and apply it to the other great threat our world faces: the climate change crisis. It is imperative that we are constantly challenging the status quo in our designs and looking to innovate and learn from other countries. Sustainability should be at the heart of our designs; we need to specify low carbon materials and encourage reuse; and performance standards should be continually reviewed and improved upon.

How has your office adapted to changed working practices? The past 18 months have seen working practices turned on their head as we became accustomed to working remotely. While flexible working is something we have embraced for a number of years, the pandemic has meant we, like many others, are adopting the hybrid-working model, allowing people to work where they function best. Teams, Zoom and the other digital communication tools that allowed us to keep communication lines open, creativity to flow and projects to develop are here to stay. This all leads to time efficiencies, increased productivity and, coupled with improved access to wellbeing tools, a happier workforce.

What role can engineers play in decarbonising construction? The built environment and construction industry is one of the largest contributors to the UK’s carbon emissions, with energy consumed at every stage of the infrastructure lifecycle. Change is needed to ensure we meet net zero targets and engineers will be instrumental in leading this. Employing design principles such as LETI, Passivhaus and BREEAM or taking inspiration from pioneering architects will ensure projects put environmental issues front and centre. Right down to the individual materials and processes specified, engineers play a vital role in decarbonisation. It is important that we keep challenging, learning and innovating to keep driving this forwards.

Ben Adam Managing Director David Narro Associates

What project exemplifies your studio ethos? We’re extremely proud of the reputation we’ve built up for our collaborative design approach. A prime example is our ongoing work on the Glasgow School of Art following the devastating fires. This is a very complicated project with high architectural requirements. It’s critical that we integrate our designs with multiple stakeholders and other designers. Effective communication and collaboration have been so important. As a project, it also showcases our expertise at working with Category-A listed buildings to enable conservation and refurbishment of spaces, while respecting the original structure – in the case of the GSA, a world-renowned and iconic building.

What role can engineers play in decarbonizing construction? Engineers can play a vital and pivotal role in decarbonising the construction industry in a variety of direct and indirect ways.

They can propose alternative green construction >

methods within designs that reduce carbon content. It’s also important that engineers provide clients with all the different options (and consequences) of material choices, not only from a cost perspective but also the carbon implications – and have robust methods in place to measure the embodied carbon in the structural designs. Engineers can also provide advice and support through industry associations such as ICE and IStructE to inform and influence policy makers in government.

What’s the key to a successful partnership with the architect? As in all relationships, effective communication is absolutely vital to success. The Practice has been operating for over 35 years, and in that time, we’ve established and enjoyed long term partnerships with many architects. We approach every project with a ‘new’ architect on that basis – it could always be the start of a beautiful relationship! Developing mutual trust, understanding and collaborative ways of working always makes projects run smoother and with much better outcomes. It’s always exciting and rewarding to work synergistically with an architect as part of a design team.

David Cameron Director Atelier Ten

What project exemplifies your studio ethos? In 2018 we completed the new Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Pollok Park. We are very proud to have worked with the team at the Hospice on this project, which began in 2011. The design challenges palliative care convention through innovative thinking, resulting in unique open space. A warm homely atmosphere has been created where the critical care services are entirely integrated and largely anonymous. Our work on this project merged much of our key values: innovation, teamwork, client care and user psychology. We have a huge picture of the building on our office wall.

How has your office adapted to changed working practices? At Atelier Ten we have wholly embraced flexible working, investing in equipment to allow our colleagues to work effectively from anywhere. We have however recognised the need for face-to-face collaboration, this is particularly important for junior members of staff. And as such we’ve formed working groups to allow defined teams to all be in the same place at the same time at least one day each week. This blends the efficiency of home working with the support and vital creative energy of face-to-face peer working. Dedicated mentors also help to ensure everyone is learning and no one is being left behind. What role can engineers play in decarbonising construction? Engineers are fundamental to decarbonising the world. But this can only happen if they themselves believe in the issues and are passionate about environmentalism and climate change. People can only be convinced on the correct course of action by individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable. And this needs to permeate right through a company’s culture. We have in-house debates on modes of transport, food, agriculture, short-life clothing, micro-plastics, and a whole lot of other things entirely unrelated to the construction industry. But this creates energy, enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge, shaping ourselves and our culture.

Raymond Slaine Managing Director Goodson Associates Limited

How can engineers help to build back better? Engineers through the generations have been at the forefront of driving change including the industrial revolution and post

Left - The Great Tapestry of Scotland Gallery (see pg 32) boasts exacting climate control features led by Atelier Ten Right - Goodson Associates have helped establish a sense of place at Edinburgh Bioquarter through infrastructure improvements

war. The delivery of new areas of regeneration in our cities is allowing a rethink of our neighbourhoods. Places where people can live, work and play. The concept of 15 minute neighbourhoods is a prime consideration and a key factor in a number of our current commissions including Wester Hailes Regeneration, Edinburgh and Lauriston Living, Glasgow

Our team are excited to use their engineering design skills to develop sustainable solutions that can be delivered with efficiency and innovation from inception to construction and beyond.

What project exemplifies your studio ethos? The new M&G Office Building and infrastructure works, at Kildean, Stirling best showcases our capabilities and “can do” attitude. Delivered during the pandemic the project demonstrates our hands on approach across both the structural and infrastructure demands of the development. Working with our Client and Team partners we developed practical and cost-effective solutions for a site challenged by flooding, poor ground conditions and flat topography.

The M&G Office is a fantastic example of design development through remote working from utilizing the analysis model to then inform the Revit model which has been invaluable to evolve and integrate both the structural and civils designs along with all the other disciplines.

How has your office adapted to changed working practices? Our team adapted with ease to home working, and we are really appreciative of the efforts and commitment of each member of the team. Going forward we’ve embraced our hybrid working model giving the opportunity and flexibility to share time in the office and home. One of our team’s strengths is collaborating the wealth of experience we have within all our four offices. This model ensures we can continue to support and develop our younger team members whilst providing flexibility.

Ultimately, we’re a creative industry which thrives on sharing and challenging our ideas. Our hybrid model allows communications through different platforms in parallel with the much-valued person to person meetings.

226 West George Street, Glasgow G2 2PQ Tel: 0141 333 0499 Email: Francesca.bell@atelierten.com Website: www.atelierten.com Twitter: @AtelierTen

Principal Contacts: Bill Ritchie, Director, Peter Kerr, Director David Cameron, Director Year of Incorporation: 1st November 2010 No. of staff: 68 staff

Atelier Ten are an international awardwinning team of building services engineers, environmental designers, fire engineers and lighting designers. Spanning eleven offices, yet with a total team of approximately 300 staff, we enjoy a reputation as being at the forefront of our profession.

As founding members of the UK Green Building Council, our staff assume leading roles in our industry. From visiting Professor of Sustainability at Yale University to leading roles within the British Council for Offices, REVO (formerly the British Council for Shopping Centres) and British Property Federation, our projects reflect our enthusiasm and passion for learning.

Recent projects: Edinburgh One; King Street Masterplan; New Perth High School

Recent awards: • JP Morgan, Glasgow, UK Scottish Property Awards - Deal of the Year • TECA, Aberdeen, UK Scottish Property Awards - Development of the Year (Commercial Buildings) • Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh Scottish Design Awards - Architecture: Commercial/office/hotel building or project • Chivas Brothers, Glasgow, UK BCO Scotland Regional for Fit Out of Workplace • Edinburgh Printmakers, Edinburgh, UK Scottish Design Awards - Architecture: Building Re-use Civic Trust Awards - Highly Commended GIA Award for Leisure/Arts (2019)

Great Tapestry of Scotland

Client: Scottish Borders Council Location: Galashiels, Scottish Borders

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a 143m long work of art which is currently the world’s longest embroidered tapestry. The tapestry depicts 12,000 years of Scottish history. Since its public unveiling in 2013, it has gone all over the country as a touring exhibit, however the time has come for it to lay down its roots permanently. The museum contains a large dedicated display room, allowing the public access to the entire tapestry. Also included is a visitors shop, administration space and a café. Atelier Ten have considered and advised, in detail, the conditions required for the tapestry display, paying particular attention to the environment within which the artwork shall be on show. The building utilises enhanced thermal performance, low energy lighting, passive ventilation and daylight linking controls in order to achieve low energy performance. A detailed lighting scheme, both internally and externally has been worked up in order to compliment the artistic impression created by the architectural team Page\Park.

The Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC)

An innovative research, development and manufacturing facility, the new MMIC in Renfrewshire will help solve major pharmaceutical industry challenges and accelerate access to affordable medicines.

A collaboration between CPI, the University of Strathclyde, UK Research and Innovation, Scottish Enterprise, GSK and AstraZeneca, the Centre will provide academia, industry, healthcare providers and regulators with access to cutting-edge technical equipment and knowledge. Operating at a commercial scale, it will industrialise novel techniques for producing patientcentric medicines, transforming manufacturing processes and providing a clear pathway for their adoption.

Over the past three years, BakerHicks have delivered multi-disciplinary design services, including architecture, civil and structural, mechanical and electrical, pharmaceutical consultancy, and process engineering. They are now working with the main contractor, Tilbury Douglas, providing principal designer advisory services as construction progresses, with the project topping out this August.

With its suite of clean rooms needing to support a range of different processes and industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies, and the specifics of these not necessarily known, the facility is designed to be a fluid and dynamic as possible. The space is able to be reconfigured easily, with large columnfree spaces enabling different processes to be accommodated and allowing for future expansion, ensuring it can react to changing industry needs.

Trilogy One, 11 Woodhall, Eurocentral, Holytown, Motherwell ML1 4YT (with other offices in London, Manchester, Warwick (HQ), Derby, Basel, Bern, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Ulm, Vienna and Zürich) Tel: 01698 738111 Email: contact@bakerhicks.com Web: www.bakerhicks.com Twitter: @BakerHicks_1957

Principal Contact: Laura James, Head of Scotland Year of Incorporation: 23 May 2007 (trading commenced 27 July 2007) No. of total staff: 1,000 (including permanent, agency and European offices)

BakerHicks are a design, engineering and project delivery company that specialise in complex infrastructure, process and built environments across the full project life cycle. Their disciplines range from initial architecture to civil and structural, building services, specialist high voltage and process engineering services, project management, and CDM consultancy, using the latest innovations in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the most efficient and cost-effective design.

Recent Projects: BakerHicks are providing design and engineering services across a wide-range of projects within the aviation, defence, life sciences and manufacturing, nuclear, power, public sector, and rail industries.

In the Scottish region, this includes: • Medicines Manufacturing Innovation

Centre (MMIC) • HMP Glasgow • Allander Leisure Centre • Perth High School • North Muirton Primary School • HMP Highland

Other projects nationwide include: • Ulster Hospital • Dorset Visual Improvement Programme • Barnard Castle Aseptic

Manufacturing Facility • Stanford le Hope Rail Station

Gresham Chambers, 45 West Nile St, Glasgow G1 2PT Tel: 0141 370 1829 Email: isla@civicengineers.com Website: www.civicengineers.com Twitter: @civicengineers

Principal Contacts: Isla Jackson, Craig Turner Year of Incorporation: 2013 No. of staff: 134

Civic Engineers are civil, structural and transport engineers who work to create inspirational structures and places that have a positive impact on the environment and enable people to lead happier and healthier lives. With studios in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Leeds our 135 strong team have extensive experience of delivering projects that help to create and transform buildings, neighbourhoods and cities and bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits for those who live, work and visit them. Civic Engineers was established in 2013 and is led by Founding Directors Stephen O’Malley and Julian Broster, who have worked together since 2001.

Recent projects: • Custom House Quay • Upper Achintore Fort William • Glasgow Science Centre • Glasgow Avenues

Recent awards: • CIHT 2021 – Commended,

Employer of the Year

Transforming Anderston Station

Client: Glasgow City Council in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies Location: Anderston Station, Glasgow

We have been leading the design team, alongside artist Gabriella Marcella, to transform the entrance at Anderston Station for COP26, and beyond, to improve connectivity, pedestrian and cyclist wayfinding and revitalise the public space through an innovative Asphalt art installation, as well as the introduction of benches and raingardens. The project helps to make the area a more inclusive, more climate resilient, safer place.

Claypits Park Regeneration, Scottish Canals, Glasgow

The Claypits Park regeneration consists of the large-scale redevelopment of part of Scottish Canals Infrastructure. The masterplan’s focus is in the area from the historic timber basin near Firhill Stadium following the canal south to Applecross Street, the location for the Scottish Canals’ Headquarters. The project provides an important role in contributing to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding community.

The project involved significant changes to the landscape and topography, which we modelled in 3D to ensure this was accurately designed. We also designed underground drainage, an extensive network of paths and several bridges, including a scissor bridge which will be one of the few examples in the United Kingdom.

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Head Office 34-36 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1JT Tel: 0131 229 5553 Email: mail@davidnarro.co.uk Web: www.davidnarro.co.uk Twitter: @DavidNarroAssoc

Principal Contacts: Ben Adam, Managing Director. Natasha Lang, Practice Manager. Year of Incorporation: 1986 No. of Total Staff: 80

David Narro Associates is an employeeowned Consulting Structural & Civil Engineering practice with offices across Scotland. With 35 years’ experience, the practice has expertise in all sectors including conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, community projects, education, health facilities and the public sector. Projects include new builds, alterations and refurbishments, conservation of historic buildings and monuments, as well as landscaping and townscape improvement works. Our engineers and technicians always take sustainability and energy efficiency into consideration. We aim to specify materials in our designs which can be locally sourced, are durable, and/or have minimal environmental impact in either their production or disposal.

Recent Projects: • The Burrell Collection – upgrade and refurbishment • Scottish Canals – Claypits Park regeneration • National Galleries of Scotland –

Landscaping • Inverness Castle – Redevelopment • Glasgow School of Art – ongoing conservation and restoration work

Recent Awards: • Scottish Design Awards 2021 -

Commended Projects: The Larick Centre – Collective Architecture; Powderhall

Intergenerational Passivhaus Facility –

Collective Architecture/Urban Pioneers • RIAS Awards 2021- Kyle House, Sutherland – Groves-Raines Architects; The Egg Shed,

Ardrishaig – Oliver Chapman • ACE Awards 2021 – Best UK Consultancy (Small & Medium) - Shortlisted

53 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HL Tel: 0131 226 2044 Email: admin@goodsons.com Website: www.goodsons.com

Principal Contacts: Raymond Slaine, Andy Mitchell, Euan Dale and Shona Tait Year of Incorporation: 1993 No. of staff: 75

Recent projects: • New BT Offices Dundee • Masterplanning and Infrastructure Design

Edinburgh Bioquarter • M&G Office and infrastructure Enabling works Kildean Stirling • Perth City Hall Redevelopment • Waterfront Plaza, Ocean terminal

Edinburgh • Tain Campus • Currie High School Campus

Recent awards: • National Centre Inverclyde for Sports

Scotland – RIBA National Award 2021 and RIAS Award 2021 • Bertha Park High School for Perth and

Kinross High School – RIBA Winner of the

Scottish Transforming Learning Award for 2019 • Waterfront Plaza, Edinburgh for Cala

Homes – Scottish Home Awards

Innovation in Design 2020 • Laurieston Living for Urban Union • Jedburgh Grammar Campus – Partnership

Awards 2020 – Best Education and Higher

Education Project

Edinburgh Bioquarter Infrastructure works

Client: University of Edinburgh Location: Little France, Edinburgh

Bioquarter is developing to be a Global Destination for healthcare delivery, groundbreaking medical research and life sciences innovation. Goodson Associates are providing Civil and Structural engineering services on the current expansion of the Institute of Regeneration and Repair and the sitewide infrastructure.

The initial phase of infrastructure is to enable the next stages of development and includes roads, SUDS and segregated cycleways. The team also delivered the first phase of public realm, providing a direct link through the centre of the site for pedestrians and cyclists moving between Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary, research buildings and the forthcoming Usher Institute and NINE (life sciences innovation centre).

This link has been named Fairfield Walk the name of the walkway is in commemoration of the Edinburgh Seven, the first group of matriculated undergraduate female students at any British university, who helped change education forever and eventually allowed women to qualify as doctors in Britain.

Sophia Jex-Blake led the Edinburgh Seven and in her essay ‘Medicine as a Profession for Women’, published in 1869, she argued that the only way to determine whether women had the same intellectual ability as men was through ‘a fair field and no favour’ – to ensure that women and men were taught the same, tested the same and if successful, awarded the same degrees as each other.

IMAGES © LAURIAN GHINITOIU

The Twist

Client: Kistefos Museum Location: Kistefos, Norway Architect: BIG

The Twist is a gallery, a bridge and a sculpture, all in one, providing 1,000m2 of dramatic gallery space spanning 60m across the Randselva River.

In collaboration with BIG and an international team, Max Fordham developed the environmental design and MEP systems from initial concepts through to detailed design.

From the outset, we worked closely with the client and art curators to develop an environmental brief that could deliver the desired occupancy, flexibility, light, views, and sustainability, while ensuring conservation of international contemporary art collections.

Advanced digital tools were vital to ensure the successful delivery of this complex brief in a beautifully elegant gallery. We used parametric modelling techniques to assess, inform and optimise various architectural design options. The outputs allowed us to test annual daylight exposure levels and inform the best locations of various types of artwork within the gallery.

In The Twist, the floors and ceilings transition into walls. This made the services distribution very complex to design, coordinate and communicate to the design team and contractor. 3D modelling was crucial for establishing and coordinating services routes. Shared Revit models were used throughout the design process, with clash detection at the detailed design stages.

Exchange Place 3, 3 Semple Street, Edinburgh EH3 8BL Tel: +44 (0)131 476 6001 Email: post@maxfordham.com Website: www.maxfordham.com Twitter: @MaxFordhamLLP

Principal Contacts: Colin Hamilton (Senior Partner and Edinburgh Office Leader), Mark Palmer (Senior Partner), Andrew Leiper (Net Zero Carbon Leader) Year of Incorporation: 1966, Edinburgh office opened in 2003 No. of staff: 235 across five UK offices, 36 in Edinburgh

Max Fordham is an environmental building services engineering consultancy. For over 50 years, they have engineered energy, air, light and sound to bring buildings to life. From their offices in Edinburgh, London, Cambridge, Manchester and Bristol, they have worked with the world’s leading architects on some of the world’s greatest buildings. Max Fordham’s portfolio includes award-winning exemplars of sustainable design and a diverse mix of beautifully engineered buildings. The practice numbers more than 235 people in five offices around the United Kingdom and is a Limited Liability Partnership (essentially employeeowned), with 121 partners.

Recent Projects: • King’s Stables Road, with Fletcher Joseph

Architects • The Engine Shed, Stirling, with Historic

Environment Scotland and Reiach and Hall • Leeds Playhouse, with Page\Park Architects • Tollcross Housing Association Offices, with

Elder and Cannon • Monifieth Parish Church, with Lee Boyd

Recent Awards: • CIBSE: Building Performance Award 2021 (Residential) for Max Fordham House • CIBSE: Building Performance Award 2020 (Public Use and Building Performance

Champion) for The Engine Shed • Stage Awards: Theatre Building of the Year 2020 for Leeds Playhouse • RIAS: Andrew Doolan Award (Shortlist) 2019 for Tollcross Housing Association Offices • Scottish Design Awards: Commercial/

Office/Hotel Building or Project 2019 for

Tollcross Housing Association Offices