Edinburgh University’s new Informatics building has won Scotland’s most prestigious architectural prize, it was announced last week.

The Informatics Forum in Bristo Square was jointly awarded the £25,000 Andrew Doolan prize, shared with a refurbished stable block in the Castlemilk housing estate in Glasgow, at a reception in the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood last Friday

This year is the first time two buildings have shared the honour of being named ‘Scotland’s best building’, because the judging panel, made up entirely of architects, failed to decide between the two.

Glasgow University’s Professor Andy MacMillan, the chairman of the judging panel, said: “The judges were split right down the middle over these two buildings … We all thought it was the best decision to split the prize and help generate a real debate over what is Scotland’s best building.”

Edinburgh University’s new £42m Informatics building was built on a former car park at Potterow, replacing the previous centre which burned down in 2002. It was designed by Bennetts Associates who were praised by the judges for producing a building which successfully moulds the George Square layout together creating a more student-friendly campus:

“By completing the Bristo Square perimeter of the central campus, the buildings create a new enclosure, enhancing the collegiate feel of the area, while introducing new pedestrian routes through the heart of one of Scotland’s most important educational establishments” they said.

Some 11 buildings were shortlisted for the illustrious award which is run by The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Arnie Dunn, the president of the RIAS said: “The quality and range of submissions for this year’s award is testimony to the exceptional standard of Scottish architecture today.

“The winners are buildings of the highest standard and reflect two vital strands of contemporary Scottish architecture: the creative re-use of historic buildings and the huge importance of new buildings for tertiary education.”

Previous winners of the Andrew Doolan award include the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood, the Dance Base complex in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and the Pier Arts centre in Orkney.