Designed for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at a cost of GBP15 million ($24.8 million) – met through public donations, Faculty funds and loans against future fees – the building contains a host of facilities, including a diagnostic suite complete with both MRI and CT scanners, a radioactive iodine unit for cats, an underwater treadmill and a pain and rehabilitation centre; all of which are centered around the light and airy central treatment area.
The hospital is located on the University’s Garscube Campus in Bearsden and its sloping grass roof complements its environment. A central atrium allows the hospital to be lit by natural light providing a calm ambience to anxious pets and their owners.
The Andrew Doolan Award is the richest architectural prize in the UK – with the winning designers scooping GBP25, 000 ($41, 410). The Small Animal Hospital was praised as ‘unique and ingenious’ for the way in which the building is designed to complement its surroundings.
