Studying architecture in 2020 has been challenging. Despite working under these unique circumstances, we’ve seen an unprecedented level of high-quality submissions for the 2020 RIAS and A&DS Scottish Student Awards.

We spoke to the winners of this year’s awards to hear their views on good design, studying in Scotland and how architecture can build back better. Their reflections are now available in two blog posts.

Earlier this month, Heather Claridge participated in a podcast for the RTPI Young Planners London network, to talk about the work of A&DS and Carbon Conscious Places.  

In Scotland, buildings, monuments, public spaces and street names have become a touchstone for discussions and action on racism, slavery, empire and colonialism. These themes will be discussed at this year’s Scottish Civic Trust annual conference.

Issues of race and heritage in Scotland will be discussed and will reflect critically on our country’s approach using examples from further afield. How can we come to terms with difficult histories and share it as part of a more inclusive understanding of Scotland’s built environment and cultural heritage?

The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) has announced the 2020 Scottish Housing Policy Conference, which will take place online from 1-3 December. The theme for the conference is Scottish Housing Policies after Covid-19: Challenges and Constraints to 2025.

A&DS has been working with the Scottish Government Planning and Architecture Division to explore climate change in relation to place planning and provide insight to inform planning reform. This directly follows on from the pilot project A&DS undertook, which considered a whole place approach to designing for a changing climate.

A&DS Chief Executive Jim MacDonald attended the virtual Festival of Place, sharing the platform with the design organisations from Wales, England and Northern Ireland to discuss the value of design. In this short blog he reflects on the common issues facing the organisations. 

Aberdeen’s Construction and Property Conference, Build It, took place from 17th to 20th November 2020 in a new digital format. The conference brought together a variety of industry experts, academics and civil servants to discuss key issues affecting the construction industry and share learning. A&DS contributed on the final day, with a focus on sustainable building practices.

The My Place Awards celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality.  The Awards honour projects that have excelled in terms of community involvement/impact and design. Winners of the My Place Awards benefit from the opportunity to develop a national profile and evidence impact to potential and existing funders, as well as be featured in a public exhibition. Entries for the 2021 awards are now open.