The Uncommon Beauty of Common ThingsCharles and Ray Eames explored what they characterised as ‘the uncommon beauty of common things’ through a rich variety of media. The pleasures of everyday activities, familiar objects, and ordinary encounters were...

The Uncommon Beauty of Common Things

Charles and Ray Eames explored what they characterised as ‘the uncommon beauty of common things’ through a rich variety of media. The pleasures of everyday activities, familiar objects, and ordinary encounters were shown to have profound emotional and aesthetic significance, and this sensibility underpinned their design work. In this exhibition, Hoskins Architects brings together a wide range of friends and collaborators working across diverse fields, to examine through a variety of media the special potential of everyday things.
The exhibition is part of the Architecture Fringe 2018 Programme and admission is free


Date : 09th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th  June 2018

Time : 10:00-16:00

Location : The Pipe Factory, Glasgow, G40 2LA

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Hoskins Architects’ Certified Mediator – Gabriele Bernatzky

Our congratulation go to director Gabi Bernatzky, based in our Berlin office, who has become an accredited Mediator in Design, Construction and the Environment. Hosted by the Bavarian Institute of Architects over the last year, the certification course included: training in conflict control procedures, conflict regulation as a communication process, and mediation in private construction and major projects.

As planning processes become increasingly complex, the involvement of conflicting interest groups in decision-making is becoming increasingly important. Mediation is an excellent way to handle such conflicts constructively; the impartial mediator provides the process, structure and support to assist in resolving conflicts or difficult negotiations.

These skills apply not only to contractual disputes but are also exceptionally useful in supporting early decision-making processes within client bodies. Clear and timely decisions are critical to identifying and developing a strong brief, which we see as a vital part of any successful project. Mediation techniques also underpin a professional and substantive approach to wider stakeholder engagement, often not taken seriously enough in our industry.

If you have a project where identifying a common goal amongst stakeholders or developing a cohesive and well-structured brief is important, or a situation where professional mediation could be of assistance please get in touch via berlin@hoskinsarchitects.com

April 2018

mediation berlin
Vacancy - Part II graduate Architectural Assistant/Recently Qualified Architect Hoskins Architects is looking for enthusiastic Part II architecture graduates/recently qualified architects to join us in our Glasgow studio, initially for a twelve month...

Vacancy -  Part II graduate Architectural Assistant/Recently Qualified Architect

Hoskins Architects is looking for enthusiastic Part II architecture graduates/recently qualified architects to join us in our Glasgow studio, initially for a twelve month fixed term.

The successful applicants will work alongside project architects, associates and directors, on a wide range of projects.

Our practice is a busy and creative environment with an award winning portfolio of projects across a whole range of sectors. We’re looking for the right people to help us build on that success by joining our talented teams working on recent new project wins and our existing varied workload.

We look for people who are articulate, curious, creative and interested in design. We want good designers, good communicators and people who want to contribute. The ability to sketch beautifully and/or produce top quality visuals is a must. The office uses Vectorworks, Sketch-up and Photoshop and a knowledge of these is preferred but not essential. Experience of producing tender and construction drawing packages would be an advantage, as well as some site experience.

Our office is fast paced, friendly, focused and fun. It’s a great place to start and grow your architectural career.

Hoskins Architects is an equal opportunities employer. No agencies please.

Closing date 2 March 2018

Please email your CV and examples of work to: recruitment@hoskinsarchitects.com

Successful applicants will be invited for interview and required to present their portfolio.

Celebrating Rockvilla’s RIBA National Award win The National Theatre of Scotland’s new HQ, Rockvilla, was amongst 49 winning projects (one of only three from Scotland) being celebrated at the RIBA National Award Winners Party, held recently at...

Celebrating Rockvilla’s RIBA National Award win

The National Theatre of Scotland’s new HQ, Rockvilla, was amongst 49 winning projects (one of only three from Scotland) being celebrated at the RIBA National Award Winners Party, held recently at Francis Kéré’s 2017 Serpentine Pavilion.

Director Chris Coleman-Smith and Associate Rory McCoy, the team responsible for delivering Rockvilla, journeyed to London for the event. They greatly enjoyed the chance to visit the pavilion, with its beautifully crafted wooden canopy and blue curving walls resembling something of a simplified, textile-like, patterned tree, which provided the perfect setting for the summer evening reception.

Rockvilla, adding the RIBA National Award to its already impressive haul of awards, has been described by the client as a ‘game-changing resource’ for the National Theatre of Scotland, and have greatly commended the building for transforming the way they are able to function on a day-to-day basis. Lucy Mason, the Company Director, said ‘Instead of being in tiny offices at our old base in Civic Street, or scattered around across the city, we’re now all in the same space, and able to see that we are a company. It makes all our communications so much easier and more efficient, and everyone is really loving it.’ In addition, thecclient has recognised the design team personally for their commitment to the Company’s ethos, and for their understanding and enthusiasm throughout the project.

You can learn more about the project here.

July 2017

RIBA RIBA National Award 2017 Serpentine Pavilion Hoskins Architects UK Architecture Rockvilla National Theatre of Scotland

Double win at the RIAS 2017 Awards

Celebrating the best in new Scottish architecture, both Eastwood Health and Care Centre, and Rockvilla - the new HQ for the National Theatre of Scotland - have won Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland awards. We are delighted to be the only practice with two projects among the twelve inspiring buildings given RIAS awards this year.  

This follows the news earlier in the week that Eastwood Health & Care Centre won the design award for best building under 25,000sqm at the European Health Care Awards in London. Caroline Bamforth, East Renfrewshire Councillor and Chair of the East Renfrewshire Integrated Joint Board, said: ‘It is a fantastic state-of-the-art facility, bringing together health and social care services under the one roof for the first time in Eastwood. The busy community café on the ground floor also makes it a great community hub for local people.’

These awards bring recognition to not only to those in the project team, but also our wonderful clients. Simon Sharkey, associate director (Learn) at the National Theatre of Scotland spoke of his experience now working in their new purpose-built space: ‘The luxury of being able to walk a few yards to have a vital conversation with your colleagues cannot be underestimated. The impact of the building and how it allows us to work makes me wonder how we managed before. Seeing our students, community members and professionals all share the same space, finding out about each other’s projects and all feeling part of the same thing is simply joyful.’

These great buildings are the result of much hard work and belief of many individuals, and we would like to thank everyone involved for their continued support and enthusiasm throughout the process of bringing them both to very successful completion.

More about the projects can be found via the following links:

Eastwood Health and Care Centre

Rockvilla - National Theatre of Scotland HQ

June 2017

Easterhouse public charrette 13 May – 24 June

Over the next few weeks we are teaming up with Thriving Places Easterhouse and landscape architects, Erz, to run a community design programme to plan a better centre for Easterhouse.

The project seeks to identify major improvements required to both the Shandwick Centre and the surrounding facilities. The ambition is to create an overall better environment, and increase the activities available to the community – plus anything else the public think needs to happen.

From now until 12 June, the team will be in the old Savers unit in the Shandwick Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Everyone is welcome to come in, hear more about the project, and tell us your thoughts over a cup of tea. Free events will be run, including portrait drawing, photography workshops, and pop-up music and film studios. Family and kids activities will be run on Saturdays.

Following on from this, between 21 June - 23 June, we will have a busy programme of events in the Phoenix Centre, and welcome the public to attend and give input.

Keep an eye on Thriving Places Easterhouse’s Facebook page for news and regular updates.

Portraits taken by Colin Tennant featuring some of the locals who came by to share their thoughts.

May 2017

Architectural Staff RequiredPart I Architectural Assistant
Part II Graduate Architectural Assistant
Experienced PT III / Recently Qualified Architect
Hoskins Architects are looking for enthusiastic and experienced applicants to join our Glasgow...

Architectural Staff Required

Part I Architectural Assistant
Part II Graduate Architectural Assistant
Experienced PT III / Recently Qualified Architect

Hoskins Architects are looking for enthusiastic and experienced applicants to join our Glasgow studio, initially for a fixed term contract.

Successful applicants will work alongside project architects and the wider management team on a number of high profile projects.

Our practice is a busy and creative environment with an award winning portfolio of projects across a whole range of sectors. We’re looking for the right people to help us build on that success by joining our talented teams working on recent new project wins and our existing varied workload.

We look for people who are articulate, curious, creative and interested in design. We want good designers, good communicators and people who want to contribute. The ability to sketch beautifully and/or produce top quality visuals is a must.  We are looking for people who enjoy working in a team and relish a challenge. The office uses Vectorworks, Sketch-up and Photoshop and a knowledge of this would be an advantage but not essential. For PT II/Architect positions experience of producing tender and construction drawing packages would be advantageous.

Our office is fast paced, friendly, focused and fun. It’s a great place to start and grow your architectural career.  Salary based on industry average.

Hoskins Architects is an equal opportunities employer. No agencies please.

Closing date 8th May 2017.

Noting the position you are applying for in the email title please email your CV and examples of work to: recruitment@hoskinsarchitects.com

Successful applicants will be invited for interview and required to present their portfolio.

Visiting Florim’s ceramic tile factory in Italy

Last year architect Kirsten Stewart was invited by Ora Ceramics to visit the Florim headquarters and factory in Modena, Italy. It was an insightful trip, rewarding her with a detailed understanding of the product and manufacturing processes. Kirsten gave a presentation on what she learnt, allowing us all to better understand the journey from dust to tile.

Background

Modena, Italy, is an area renown for tile manufacturing with some 300 different companies based there - Florim is one of the largest ceramic tile factories in this area.

They offer tiles for a variety of uses, projects and markets. The largest tile they produce is the magnum wall and floor tile, which is available in an extremely large format with sizes up to 1600 x 3200mm - huge! During our visit the Florim team demonstrated how this tile size is handled, which is similar to large sheets of glazing, with four men required to lift the tiles in to place.

Interesting facts

Having seen bicycles parked all around the factory, we were amused to discover that because the factory is so large, the team ride them to get from one side of the factory to the other.

All the water used in the factory is recycled, cleaned, and reused on site. The majority of the factory processes are carried out by machines and robots, which transport materials around the factory; except the last process – the visual inspection – which can only be done by human eye in order to check for imperfections on each tile. Those carrying out this job are only able to do so for 30 minutes at a time, before they have to switch and take a break.

The impressive vertical warehouse used for storing tiles ahead of transportation, cost 14 million euros to build, and stores 35,000 palettes at any one time – which is however, only a relatively small part of the factory.

April 2017

Florim ceramic tiles italy Hoskins Architects factory
The Garden of Playfulness at Brodie Castle wins planning approval Moray Council have granted planning permission to the ‘Garden of Playfulness’. The project is part of a £2.8 million investment in one of the National Trust for Scotland’s ‘priority...

The Garden of Playfulness at Brodie Castle wins planning approval

Moray Council have granted planning permission to the ‘Garden of Playfulness’. The project is part of a £2.8 million investment in one of the National Trust for Scotland’s ‘priority properties’ – Brodie Castle.

The castle, near Forres in Morayshire, was the ancestral home of the Brodie family until Ninian, 25th Brodie of Brodie, negotiated the takeover of the estate by the National Trust for Scotland in 1980. Now it has been earmarked for a transformation to make it a key visitor attraction to support Scotland’s heritage.

Hoskins Architects have collaborated with erz, landscape architects, to create a landscaped space for exploration and adventure within Brodie’s walled garden, based on themes of family and play. To realise the National Trust for Scotland’s ambitions, the garden will be supported by a Visitor Pavilion, which will also act as the main entrance to the Garden of Playfulness. This will act as a gateway to the estate for visitors, and provide retail, catering and indoor play spaces. The design is intended for year-round use, and to support special events or exhibitions as necessary.

Site works are due to commence during spring.

March 2016

Brodie Castle walled gardens Scotland Moray erz Hoskins Architects

As part of our internal Continuing Personal Development (CPD) sessions, Architectural Assistant Joanna Lee gave an insightful 60-minute talk on UK power stations. Following her thoughtful comment on the architecture and the dramatic settings of some of the UK’s power stations, Joanna led us to reflect the use of the countless post-industrial buildings we in Glasgow are surrounded by.

The Buildings of Industry, by Joanna Lee

This topic was sparked by an ongoing debate on the preservation of building fabric – what do you keep? Are all building typologies equally important?

Coupled with an awareness that we are an architecture practice in Glasgow: a city characterised by its 19th Century industrial boom, which now presents many opportunities for the reuse of industrial buildings.

This is no less encouraged by an interest in the pervading trend for an industrial aesthetic; and that I was brought up by a power station-enthusiast father.

Part 1 – UK Power Stations

Drax

A coal-powered monster in Yorkshire. While it was not chosen for its architectural merit, it is a personal choice, the power station my Dad worked at for years and a catalyst for this CPD.(IMAGE 1)


Battersea

A brick cathedral to power production in London. A swansong before it is redeveloped. (IMAGE 2)


Trawsfynydd nuclear power station

Designed by Basil Spence with the moody breath-taking landscape of north Wales as a backdrop. This decommissioned nuclear power station has an impressively foreboding presence, and is surrounded by listed landscaping. (IMAGE 3)


Fawley

Perched on the coast by Southampton, this is a station with an extraordinary glazed boiler house and fantastical 1960s techno futuristic aesthetic. (IMAGE 4)


Loch Rannoch

Operational since 1930, this northern Scottish Hydroelectric power station shows the long life of the renewable station, compared to the other fossil fuel examples selected. This building is joyful in its readability. Large pipes shoot down the hill to the turbine building from which water flows into the loch below.


Part 2 - Industrial aesthetic

Lauriston, a district of Glasgow sitting across the River Clyde directlysouth the city centre, is an example post-industrial area of the city and proposed development. In this small area alone there are many large listed factory buildings left derelict, while new-build development inches towards them. Reusing these buildings is a challenge: they are vast, cold, decayed, and dictates that their redevelopment is economically viable, like Battersea Power Station in London? Should they be delisted and demolished? Or just left unprotected to be absorbed into the urban fabric?

In reality, what we keep and repair is a mixture of all of these things. A balance of cost, taste history, and nostalgia. However, in order to do this well you have to deduce what is of worth. While there are of course statutory guidelines, the positioning of hindsight seems to bear relevance when reflecting the industrial buildings of 20thCentury.

By going through typologies of factory buildings in decade increments to test my own feelings of attachment to these industrial buildings, I felt protecting those of the late 1950s to early 1960s to be my comfortable limit. I asked my colleagues the same question: did they want to preserve the 1980s Hoover Factory in Camberslang (PICTURE 5) as typical of this time? Or the giant Morrisons depot of the 2000s? It seems that these feelings are trends, maybe in the future we will think that insulated panels have that bygone solid honest feel about them.

Has this nostalgic element been driving the popularity of the current industrial aesthetic? The desire of the office worker to be in an exposed-brick environment, and a longing to be closer to the making process. A good example is Google’s main UK office, which is set to be housed in the soon-to-be refurbished Battersea Power Station, symbolising its productive nature and stability.

 To take this point full circle, larger companies and manufactures have picked up on this interest in process, presenting factory workings to the public in transparent, showcase buildings. Like Copenhagen’s Amager-Bakke power plant (PICTURE 6, image credited to Bjarke Ingels Group), which is designed to demonstrate the consequence and pollution of power production to a wider population.

March 2017

hoskins architects power station glasgow post-industrial