Scotland is a country that makes up a small part of UK. Scottish architecture can be traced back from as early as Neolithic era and it has been changing ever since. From early settlements to stunning stone building castles in the late middle age, church architecture adorned with Romanesque form, great engineering marvels in 19th century and the most striking modern buildings that stands strong today along the side of the River Clyde, here’s the list of 15 buildings architects must visit to see the evolution of Scottish architecture over the different period of time.
PREHISTORIC ERA:
1. MAESHOWE (ORKNEY, SCOTLAND)
Known for its excellent example of Neolithic craftsmanship, Maeshowe is one of the largest tombs in Orkney Built around 2800BC. The grass mound skins a series of complex passageways leading to burial chambers. Best viewed on winter solstice; the centre chamber illuminates with natural light. Maeshowe is definitely a humble reminder engraved in time.
2. SKARA BRAE (ORKNEY, SCOTLAND)
Moving onto the next, after Maeshowe, Skara Brae is one of the most complete Neolithic village, a beautiful specimen of architecture that reflects excellence in dry-stone construction of locally gathered and assembled stone rubble. Skara Brae is known as the best surviving lens to peak in history. It is an evidence of first known permanent houses on Scottish soil around 9500 years ago.
MIDDLE AGES:
3. DUNFERMLINE ABBEY (DUNFERMLINE, SCOTLAND)
With the advancement in the masonry techniques, the structure became more stable with the dressed ashlar blocks. Dunfermline Abbey reflects this progressive craftsmanship influenced by Romanesque chevron pattern in detailing.
4. ROSSLYN CHAPEL (ROSLIN, SCOTLAND)
Known for its intrinsic statuette, Rosslyn chapel is one of the finest illustrations of carving expertise. One of the most striking features of this chapel is ‘green men’. Green men are the faces that symbolises the goodness and similar scope for significant evil. The vines that shoot from the mouth are said to represent nature’s growth and fertility. There are said to be 100 of these green men inside and outside the Rosslyn chapel.
EARLY MODERN:
5. STIRLING CASTLE (STIRLING, SCOTLAND)
The late fifteenth century Scottish architecture was influenced by Renaissance period. Dating back of the same period, Stirling castle, is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. The siting of several buildings is stunning.
6. ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY BUILDING (EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND)
More public buildings began to rise on Scottish land in early nineteenth century. Designed in form of ancient Greek temple, Royal Scottish Academy building is made in Doric order. Both Scottish gallery and royal Scottish academy building are connected with an underground link. Architects must visit RSA, not only for its architecture, but for its functional value RSA offers. It is known for a range of exhibition programmes by the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture that can be of interests for architects.
7. SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY (EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND)
Scottish National gallery was an extension of Royal Scottish Academy. Like Royal Scottish Academy, Scottish National Gallery is made in Ionic order. The east half of the gallery houses exhibition galleries and west half contains new national gallery of Scotland.
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION:
8. THE FORTH BRIDGE (EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND)
As the industrial revolution swept in Scotland, the use of steel increased to shape some major engineering projects. The most influential structure that stand today in Scotland is the cantilever railway bridge – fourth bridge. The things, an architect can take in from this is its sleek structure design.
POST 20TH CENTURY:
9. MACKINTOSH AT THE WILLOW | FORMER WILLOW TEA ROOMS (GLASGOW, SCOTLAND)
Master piece of a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist – Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Willow tea rooms were opened in 1903 and are of significant status of Glasgow’s architectural and social heritage. Original design was Influenced by European symbolism. It underwent extensive refurbishment in an attempt to return the building to its former grandeur and opened as a 200-seat restaurant that is internationally recognised today as Mackintosh at the Willow.
10. V&A DUNDEE (DUNDEE, SCOTLAND)
Designed by Kengo Kuma Architects, V&A sits on River Tay and is designed to integrate with the existing environment. The façade is made up of horizontal layers of precast concrete to mimic the Scottish landscape – beautiful cliff with architecture.
