Robin Livingstone has been selected to lead a funded collaborative research project as part of an innovative partnership between The Glasgow School of Art and Historic Environment Scotland, with support from the Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities.
The award is for a practice-based inquiry into designing with heritage materials for sustainable, circular futures. Working with Dr Gina Wall of The Glasgow School of Art and Graham Briggs of Historic Environment Scotland, the role will explore the creative use of vernacular materials in innovative, contemporary architecture for rural and island environments, embedding architectural practice, fieldwork, archival research, circular and regenerative design theory, hands-on making, and live testing materials to explore future uses for a range of hyperlocal, traditional building materials. Drawing on specialist material knowledge from the heritage sector, the project will strive to make a unique contribution to the regenerative net zero architecture of the future.
Having co-founded Fraser/Livingstone Architects in 2019 with Malcolm Fraser, Robin has over 20 years of experience in practice, working on the delivery of a diverse range of award-winning projects in the residential, community, and arts sectors across existing, heritage buildings and new build projects. The work of the practice advocates for progressive forms of building through the use of innovative, natural, breathable materials based on traditional construction principles to deliver healthier building fabrics as a critical response to the climate emergency.
The interdisciplinary, practice-based nature of the post provides a significant opportunity to build on existing initiatives by The Glasgow School of Art and Historic Environment Scotland and complement the innovative material research work Fraser/Livingstone Architects leads in practice. It will aspire to deliver impactful research and activism to make a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of contemporary architecture and the built heritage environment.
Dr Gina Wall, Programme Director GSA H&I says “It is a delight to be working with Robin, we are very fortunate to have a PhD candidate of his professional calibre on this project, and the research has the potential to positively impact contemporary architectural practice in Scotland’s rural communities. It is also a privilege to be partnered with HES, and Graham Briggs’ expertise on traditional building materials will be instrumental for the research. I also wish to thank SGSAH for their vision in funding this exciting and timely research opportunity.”
Graham Briggs, Project Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, says, “Scotland’s historic environment is deeply rooted in the use of local materials, traditional skills, and accumulated knowledge. However, over the past century, a significant disconnect has emerged between these traditional practices and modern construction approaches. This research aims to bridge that gap by employing a research-by-design methodology, reconnecting historical expertise with contemporary and future applications. The PhD will explore how traditional materials can play a vital role in Scotland’s transition to net zero, demonstrating their potential to reduce environmental impact using traditional, hyper-local materials. The project seeks to create a clear pathway for integrating these materials into modern practice, making it easier for industry to harness Scotland’s wealth of traditional resources.
We are delighted that Robin Livingstone, an experienced architect and director of a thriving practice, has chosen to undertake this project. His extensive practical experience will bring invaluable insight, ensuring that the research delivers both academic rigour and real-world impact.”
For further information please contact press@gsa.ac.uk
About The Glasgow School of Art (GSA)
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s leading independent university-level institutions for education and research in the visual creative disciplines. Our studio-based, specialist, practice-led teaching, learning and research draw talented individuals with a shared passion for visual culture and creative production from all over the world.
Originally founded in 1845 as one of the first Government Schools of Design, the School’s history can be traced back to 1753 and the establishment of the Foulis Academy delivering a European-style art education. Today, the GSA is an international community of over 3500 students and staff across architecture, design, digital, fine art and innovation in our campuses in Glasgow and Altyre (in the Scottish Highlands) and a thriving Open Studio programme delivering non-degree provision to over 1500 students annually.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body established to investigate, care for, and promote Scotland’s historic environment. HES leads and enables Scotland’s historic environment strategy, Our Past Our Future, which sets out how our historic environment will be managed. It ensures the historic environment is cared for, valued, and enhanced, both now and for future generations. They are a non-departmental public body with charitable status, governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Scottish Ministers.
HES is responsible for more than 300 properties of national importance. Buildings and monuments in HES care include Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae, Fort George, and numerous smaller sites, which together draw more than 5 million visitors per year.
Through research, survey, and recording, the organisation seeks to grow understanding of Scotland’s historic environment and share their findings globally online. They enable good decision-making and change to Scotland’s most significant heritage assets while providing the protections required through designations and consents, ensuring this resource is available for generations to come.
HES is also responsible for internationally significant collections, including more than 5 million drawings, photographs, negatives, and manuscripts, along with 20 million aerial images of locations across the world and invests about £13 million a year in national and local organisations, supporting building repairs, ancient monuments, archaeological work, the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, and the voluntary sector.
HES conservation experts provide guidance, training, and technical research into Scotland’s built environment. Through outreach programmes, they promote community and individual learning engagement with Scotland’s heritage, contributing to the Scottish Government’s strategy to tackle climate change and reduce Scotland’s carbon footprint.
