RIAS announces programme for organisation’s first virtual convention

THE Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced the programme for its annual convention, which this year in moving to an online format.

With the Grain will run from Monday September 28 to Friday October 2. RIAS said the virtual event is open to all and will consist of over 20 speakers including Roz Barr (Roz Barr Architects), Andy Groarke (Carmody Groarke), William Mann (Witherford Watson Mann Architects) and Andrew Waugh (Waugh Thistleton) over the course of short and interactive webinars.

The programme will celebrate talent from students of the Scottish architecture and landscape schools at a virtual ceremony, where the winners of the Architecture & Design Scotland/RIAS Student Awards for Architecture and the Graduating Landscape Student Awards – Landscape Institute Scotland and Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture will be announced.

RIAS president Christina Gaiger said, “In the midst of a climate emergency and the wake of a pandemic there is a real need to rethink our approach to architecture, space, fabric and the role of the built environment to create inspiring futures and resilient communities. We are delighted to have such an exciting line-up for this year’s ‘With the Grain’ convention, exploring material ideas, circular economy opportunities and building re-use by incredibly inspiring speakers over a week-long programme of events.

“This will be our first virtual convention and provides a great opportunity to welcome everyone, from architects to government and anyone with an interest in the future of Scotland’s built environment. With the added flexibility for attendees to drop in and out of the week of events, alongside joining us from any location whether in the office, at home or on the go.”

Tickets are priced at £20 and provide access to the full week of events. A proportion of ticket sale proceeds will go to the Architects Benevolent Society’s Covid-19 appeal.

To view programme and purchase tickets, visit https://riasconvention.squarespace.com/