Date: 22 August 08
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The Lighthouse Achievement Award, the accolade awarded annually by Scotland’s national Architecture and Design Centre to an individual or organisation that has made an important contribution to the nation’s built environment, has this year been presented to Ian Wall, former Chief Executive of the EDI Group.
During his 20 years with the EDI – the organisation that he helped establish – Ian Wall has driven through a number of key developments in the capital including Edinburgh Park, which has been described by the British Council of Offices as “one of the best business parks in Europe”; the redevelopment of Wester Hailes town centre; and the Craigmillar regeneration programme. Wall was also the creative force behind the establishment of the widely admired Edinburgh International Science Festival.
“Ian Wall was an inspired client,” says Morag Bain, Director of ACCESS to Architecture and Chair of the Judging panel. “Throughout his years with City of Edinburgh Council and EDI he showed a great determination to ensure quality developments and commitment to raising the profile of good architecture. We felt that as he moved on from EDI it was an appropriate time to recognise the valuable contribution he has made to Scotland’s architectural landscape through his bold commissioning policy.”
“Making good buildings is not difficult if the client has the commitment and determination to do so and has a design team similarly committed” says Ian Wall. "I receive this award, for which I am truly grateful, only because I have had the privilege of working with great architects, landscape architects and professional teams."
An exclusive interview with Ian Wall will be appearing imminently on www.scottisharchitecture.com
Presentations were also made to the winners of the SIX Student Architecture Awards, recognising emerging talent in Scotland. This year the honours were equally divided between four of Scotland’s six Schools of Architecture – Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh University, The Mackintosh School of Architecture, and Strathclyde University.
Image: Ian Wall (right) with The Lighthouse Director Nick Barley
Copyright: ©Alan Mcateer
