The Nucleus Building, a new campus structure designed by Sheppard Robson for the University of Edinburgh and shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, is the focus of this video produced by Jim Stephenson.
This film is part of an ongoing series from Dezeen in partnership with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), highlighting the projects shortlisted for the 2025 award.
The video introduces viewers to the Nucleus Building, which serves as a central hub offering teaching, learning, and social spaces for both students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.
Professor Iain Gordon from the university describes the new building as a “beating heart” for the campus. Stacey Phillips, a partner at Sheppard Robson, discusses the importance of “legibility” in the building’s design.
“The distribution of spaces in the building is a bit of a no-brainer in terms of it responds to its context,” Phillips said. “The study spaces, which need light and you want them to have views and connection between inside and outside, and connection to internal spaces as well – a lot of the other spaces don’t demand any of that.”
“You’ve got a number of lecture theatres, which are big containers, effectively – it made sense to put them behind the study spaces and social spaces facing the green heart,” she added.
Founded in 2002, the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award annually recognises outstanding Scottish projects. The winner for this year will be announced on 5 December.
According to RIAS, this year’s shortlist of four projects—ranging from rural infrastructure to urban public-realm developments—demonstrates “architecture’s place alongside other disciplines”.
In addition to the Nucleus Building, shortlisted projects include the renovation of Union Terrace Gardens by Stallan-Brand and LDA Design, the restoration of the historic Fairburn Tower by Simpson & Brown, and the stone Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge by Moxon Architects.
Film and photography courtesy of Jim Stephenson.
