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An inspiring new learning and teaching space at Heriot-Watt University has been shortlisted for a major international award.
The GRID will feature in the Education category of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Social Impact Awards later this year for its transformational contribution to the local area.
At a cost of around £19m, the GRID welcomed its first tranche of students last year. Behind its impressive exterior and sitting in the heart of Heriot-Watt’s picturesque Edinburgh campus, the GRID offers a modern space where students and staff can work directly with industry to showcase their cutting-edge research.
I am tremendously proud that our ambition to bring a truly collaborative space where our students can gain real-life industry experience has been recognised by RICS.
Judges were impressed with the GRID’s innovative and inspiring layout, which has a particular focus on flexible and immersive learning.
Welcoming the award announcement is Dr Gill Murray, Deputy Principal Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt University, who said: “The GRID continues to surpass expectations and has positively transformed the student experience at this University.
“Since its opening last year, the feedback we have received from industry partners as well as from around campus has been overwhelming. I am tremendously proud that our ambition to bring a truly collaborative space where our students can gain real-life industry experience has been recognised by RICS. GRID continues to have a positive and transformational contribution on our students, staff and partners.”
The RICS Social Impact Awards were held for the first time in 2019. It is the only nationally recognised awards programme that highlights the positive and transformational contribution of the built environment on people’s lives.
Projects are assessed at a local level, in 12 regions across the UK, with all category winners then competing against other regional winners in the RICS Social Impact Awards Grand Final.
Also shortlisted in the Education category alongside the GRID, is the INTO Academic Centre in Stirling and Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 23 April at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh.
Craig McManamon
Communications Officer
T: 0131 451 8099
E: c.mcmanamon@hw.ac.uk