Andy MacMillan Memorial Lecture 2026

How will Scotland be built in 20 years?

From AI-powered design tools and new models of collaboration and delivery to changing approaches to policy, regulation and investment, Scotland's built environment is entering a period of significant transformation.

This one-hour panel discussion will explore how Scotland might plan, design and deliver its towns, cities and infrastructure over the next two decades. What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? How can education, technology and innovation help shape a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive future? And what changes in practice, governance and decision-making will be needed to meet the demands of the years to come?

Chaired by Andy Summers (2026 Loeb Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Design), the discussion brings together Sandy Robinson (Scottish Government) and Nicky Thomson (STUDIO NIRO) to consider how Scotland can prepare for the opportunities and complexities that will shape the built environment of the future.

Please note the lecture will take place in Room 2.55 of Edinburgh Futures Insituite, please enter through the main door by 6:15pm.

Following the talk, we will be announcing the winners for the 2026 A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture and the 2026 RIAS Scottish Design Tutor Award.

This year, we are also delighted to also present an exhibition of the shortlisted student projects at the A&DS: SpACE, EFI from 21-24 September. We will be celebrating the opening of the exhibition after the Andy MacMillian Lecture and the announcement of the awards.

Students, Professionals, Friends, Family, everyone is welcome along.

Info: Chaired by Andy Summers (2026 Loeb Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Design), the discussion brings together Sandy Robinson (Scottish Government) and Nicky Thomson (STUDIO NIRO) to consider how Scotland can prepare for the opportunities and complexities that will shape the built environment of the future.

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Edinburgh Futures Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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