'The Wolfson demonstrates superbly how design for the education sector can be beautiful as well as functional. It has been created to allow for new methods of medical teaching, but also to provide a fitting landmark for Glasgow 's West End in the University's 550th anniversary year.'

These were the comments of the judges of the Prime Minister's 'Better Public Buildings Awards' 2004 and the British Construction Industry Awards, following their visit to the shortlisted Wolfson Medical School Building at the University of Glasgow.

One of only two projects in Scotland to win a Civic Trust Award earlier this year, the Wolfson Medical School Building has now become the only Scottish architectural project to make it through to the elite shortlist for this year's Prime Minister's 'Better Public Buildings Awards' 2004. This scheme, in operation since 1991, underlines the "Government's commitment to ensuring that its building programme delivers a well designed, high quality environment for the 21st Century."

Out of a record 225 entries, the Wolfson Medical School Building has also made the British Construction Industry Awards shortlist for the 'Building Award'. Now in their 17th year, the BCIA awards are an "industry-wide scheme to recognise excellence in the overall design, construction and delivery of buildings and civil engineering projects."

The shortlists for both awards include very strong and interesting competition. See www.bciawards.org.uk andwww.betterpublicbuildings.gov.uk for the full listings, images and further information. Winners will be announced in October.

The Wolfson Medical School Building originates from competition-winning design proposals by Reiach and Hall Architects, and was developed through close consultation with the building's users. It is the first completed building on the 'Triangle of Excellence' site which will be completed with the construction of the proposed BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre and the Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre.

The academic and teaching excellence of Glasgow's Medical School also gained public praise recently, rated second equal in the UK by the Times Good University Guide 2004.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 6 July 2004