Concept designs chosen, for The Crichton, following competition

A PROJECT to convert part of a former hospital into one of Dumfries and Galloway’s most significant cultural and education resources has chosen concept designs, following a competition.

A team led by Glasgow-based architecture practice, O’Donnell Brown, fought off competition from 69 other bids, to secure the concept design commission for the Crichton Campus in Dumfries.

Says the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, here, which organised the competition: “The new building, on the site of the Merrick former hospital laundry building, will contain exhibition and archive facilities to increase access to the internationally-significant Crichton Archive, research and support facilities and The Crichton Heritage Centre: enhancing people’s understanding of The Crichton’s 180-year heritage and innovation in the provision of mental health care and arts and health.

“The building will also bring together a new visual arts and exhibition space, an inter-generational academic study space and resource centre, and a land art archives and research centre.”

The O’Donnell Brown team includes fellow practices, White Arkitekter and Ekkist.

Says The Crichton, here: “The winning conceptual design will now be developed further in partnership with The Crichton Trust, with local people and organisations also encouraged to share their ideas on how the project can move towards realisation. When built, the new £15 million building will transform cultural provision in Dumfries and Galloway, while complementing the extraordinary range of facilities and organisations at The Crichton.”

Picture credit: AXSON OFFICE

Comments are welcome – only courteous ones (as per our T&Cs) – but they can only be posted by signed-in members. To sign up, for as little as £12 a year, please go here. Please note, comments appear following moderation (so expect a delay when submitting).