Architects dance for joy over prize

Judges were impressed with the Dance Base complex

An inaugural architectural award for the best modern buildings in Scotland has been won by the Dance Base studio in Edinburgh.

The dance centre was chosen from over 50 entries for the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Award for Architecture.

The award, which is worth £25,000, was created to recognise the boom in Scottish architecture and design and to counter criticism that existing prizes are London-centric.

Dance Base is a complex of old and new buildings beneath Edinburgh Castle.

The final shortlist of five considered by the judges all combined existing historic buildings with striking modern ones.

The range included the Byre Theatre in St Andrews and the Tolbooth in Stirling.

But it was Dance Base, designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, which most impressed the judges and the cash goes to the architectural practice.

The complex is tucked into one of the smallest and most traditional spaces in the capital, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.

But judges said they liked the stylish simple design of the building, and the fact that so much was contained in so limited a space.

The judges included Benadetta Tagliabue, the widow of Scottish Parliament architect Enric Miralles, and Andrew Doolan, the architect who donated the prize money.

Dance Base has also been shortlisted for another major award - the Stirling Prize - which will be announced in London in a few weeks time.