Scotland have voted against independence.
Arguably there are only two architects in history that have become almost completely synonymous with one particular city - Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Glasgow and Antoní Gaudi for Barcelona. Indeed, a Catalonian architect, Enric Miralles, designed the Scottish Parliament Building in Holyrood, Edinburgh. The fact that both of these cities are part of large enclaves who are seeking, or have sought, independence is perhaps just a coincidence. Architecture, often used as a symbol for the identity of nationhood, will certainly be part of a wider dialogue about the Union of the United Kingdom following yesterday's referendum.
In an article for the Financial Times, Edwin Heathcote diplomatically examines "the architecture of Scottish independence." Exploring some of the positives and pitfalls the profession may have faced in an independent Scotland, Heathcote tackles key arguments from both sides concluding that, fundamentally, independence would have made little difference. Ultimately, the best outcome of this referendum may be the heightened awareness of Scottish architecture not only within the UK, but also throughout Europe and the wider world.
Read the article in full here.
