Library by Collective Architecture breathes new life into Scottish high street

The conversion of a dilapidated high-street building into a public library in Paisley, Scotland, shortlisted for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award, features in this video by photographer Jim Stephenson.

The film forms part of a series being published by Dezeen in collaboration with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) to highlight the annual award’s 2026 shortlist.

In the video, viewers are introduced to Paisley Central Library, designed by Scottish studio Collective Architecture to serve as a welcoming community space with reading areas, event spaces and a study room.

According to studio director Ewan Imrie, Paisley Central Library was conceived as a civic space for "people to dwell".

"The client was very clear from the outset that the building had to be as welcoming to all different types of people from all aspects of society," Imrie said.

"Encouraging people to dwell was the most important thing and if they pick up a book and read it then that's a bonus."

Established in 2002, the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award is an annual award that highlights Scottish projects, with this year’s winner set to be announced on 26 November.

Comprising three reuse projects, RIAS said this year's shortlisted projects tap into "important conversations around community, collaboration, retrofit and reuse". Shortlisted alongside the Paisley Central Library is the Edinburgh Futures Institute by Bennetts Associates and the Tarlair Outdoor Pool Pavilion by Studio Octopi.

Last year's winner was a public park renewed by studios Stallan-Brand and LDA Design.

The film and photography is courtesy of Jim Stephenson.

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