MEDIA RELEASE
International design award and event celebrates space for young people
Scotland’s role in promoting architectural advancement was spotlighted at an international
conference and awards ceremony in Edinburgh last night, marking the glittering finale to Children
in Scotland’s year-long ‘Making Space 2010’ programme, championing innovative architecture and
the creation of inspiring spaces for young people and communities.
A highlight of the two-day event was the official dinner, where the winner of the Making Space
2010 Architecture Award was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong
Learning, Michael Russell.
The overall award was won by Min Buri Old Market Library, Soe Ker Tie House and Safe Haven
Orphanage Thailand, designed by architects TYIN Tegnestue, Norway. The project was
commended for its ‘completely child-centred approach’, which the judges felt ‘met the needs of a
child within a social and cultural context’, while also displaying ‘architectural qualities [which] are
outstanding’. The building was felt to show an ‘innovative and imaginative use of simple materials’
and focused attention on the value of community and intergenerational working, as well as on the
power of education. Summing up their decision, the judging team said: “[The project] shows
innovative ways of giving the inhabitants some basic services but also drives home the importance
that education plays, and provides a focus for the community that is hoped will build passion in the
neighbourhood that eventually can contribute to a positive development in the area.”
With a shortlist which also included a revolutionary ‘Transportable Classroom’ from Mali, ‘The
Puckelball Pitch’, an interactive art project from Sweden which represents the frequently unfair and
unequal ‘playground of life’, and innovative entries from Scotland, all eyes were on Edinburgh as
the design agenda for the future was unveiled.
Other commended entries included Punkaharju Day Care Centre, Punkaharju, Finland, which the
judges praised for its ‘simple, clear and sensitive design’, which, crucially, is ‘adaptable to the age
of the pupils’. The Centre is also sensitive to its environment, noted for its ‘fit to landscape and
environment’. Overall it was viewed as ‘simple, responsive, flexible, well-integrated, small-scale,
child-friendly and sustainable’.
The Scottish award was won by Hyndland After School Club, Partick, Glasgow which provides out
of school care for children aged between 5 and 12 years, allowing their parents to work without
facing issues of childcare. Their premises are located within Hyndland Primary School, utilising a
refurbished dining hall, which allows for greater flexibility in their service. This entry impressed
with its ‘low cost imaginative and innovative use of old premises, and a very ordinary space’, and
demonstrated an idea that could be replicated in other places, a crucial aspect which should remind
cash-strapped Councils that developing curricular innovation and supporting workforce change in
Scotland does not require large-scale spending.
The conference itself brought together a range of international experts to examine issues related to
children and space, from aspects of how children and young people relate to their environment and
its impact on their development, to what makes a good learning environment and what elements
need special focus in the future.
Chaired by Seona Reid, Director, Glasgow School of Art, the two-day event also heard from
Scottish architects including Sam Cassels, Design Advisor (Schools), Architecture+Design
Scotland, alongside other UK and international design experts, and included an opportunity for
delegates to join study visits to inspiring and innovative new buildings and projects in Central
Scotland and to hear from those directly involved in their design and planning.
Michael Russell is in no doubt that Scotland is uniquely placed to host such a design showcase.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Cabinet Secretary said: “Making Space 2010 has offered an arena
for us to share ideas the future of Scotland’s schools and to gather examples of the best school
design from around the world; it has made an important contribution to ensuring Scotland leads the
field in innovative and progressive school design.”
Notes for Editors
‘Making Space 2010’ is a one year programme, led by Children in Scotland, which includes an
international award and conference promoting innovation, creativity and sustainability in design for
children and young people aged 0-18.
For further information visit www.childreninscotland.org.uk/makingspace or contact Hannah
Goodrum, hgoodrum@childreninscotland.org.uk
