Hawkhead Centre up for design award
A new Paisley building has been shortlisted for a top award.
The recently- opened Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre is up for the title of Building of the Year in the Royal Incorporation of Architects’ design awards.
The building was designed by well known Scots firm of architects Page & Park, and is an activity and support centre for exservicemen and women who lost their sight in military service.
It contains a games hall, gymnasium, art room, wood workshop and a dining area that is intended to form a social hub.
There is also a sensory garden.
Rebecca Barr, Head of Scottish War Blinded said: “We are delighted that the Scottish War Blinded Hawkhead Centre has been nominated for this prestigious architecture award.
“The Hawkhead Centre is already changing the lives of many veterans with sight loss from across the West of Scotland.
“The spacious, light and airy building is providing a fantastic facility for veterans to re- gain their independence, learn new skills, and make new friends.”
The architects came up with their design from the name Hawkhead.
The roof of the centre is intended to mimic a sweeping wing sheltering the activity below.
This roof is lined in timber and has five large triangular rooflights which give light to the central dining and gathering area.
“Every key room in the building has a visual connection to this sweeping roof and to the central gathering area, engendering a feeling of community and connection to a wider whole,” Page & Park’s website says.
Scottish War Blinded provides free support to veterans of the armed forces with visual impairment, no matter what the cause of their sight loss was.
Veterans who can benefit from Scottish War Blinded’s support include ex-service personnel whose sight was damaged during service as well as those with medical or age related sight loss.
Next to the Hawkhead Centre is Royal Blind Jenny’s Well Care Home, which looks after older people with care loss.
The 54- bed home is designed to meet the needs of those with a visual impairment.
The home welcomes residents who are funded privately as well as through social care.