The historic Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen, Scotland, has been transformed through a comprehensive renovation project led by architecture studios Stallan-Brand and LDA Design. The revitalized Victorian-era public space has earned recognition as one of four finalists for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, with the winner to be announced on December 5.

The ambitious public-realm regeneration project breathed new life into the 1870s garden while incorporating contemporary architectural elements including new bridges and three distinctive "lantern-like" pavilions. The project represents a careful balance between preserving historical character and introducing modern functionality to serve the community's needs.

Rowan Morrice, senior architect at Stallan-Brand, emphasized the project's integrated approach during a featured video presentation. "What really tied the scheme together is that the landscape scheme had the place for the architecture, civil engineering [and] heritage that took all of the elements of the gardens that were successful and made them better," Morrice explained. He noted that the pavilions were strategically added to provide attractive uses that would draw visitors into the gardens.

Laura Robertson, senior planner for Aberdeen City Council, highlighted the project's broader impact on urban development. Both Robertson and Morrice described the renovation as serving as "a catalyst for the wider improvements to the city center," demonstrating how thoughtful public space design can drive broader municipal revitalization efforts.

The project documentation, captured in film and photography by Jim Stephenson, forms part of a collaborative series between Dezeen Magazine and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) to showcase the 2025 award shortlist. This annual recognition program, established in 2002, celebrates Scottish architectural projects that demonstrate excellence in design and community impact.

Union Terrace Gardens faces strong competition from three other notable projects on this year's shortlist. The other nominees include Simpson & Brown's renovation of the historic 16th-century Fairburn Tower in the Scottish Highlands, Moxon Architects' Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge, and Sheppard Robson's Nucleus Building. According to the award body, this year's diverse shortlist celebrates "architecture's place alongside other disciplines," spanning from rural infrastructure projects to urban public-realm initiatives like the Aberdeen garden renovation.