On 1st May 2008, it was announced that Gareth Hoskins Architects won the competition to design ‘A Gathering Space’, Scotland’s first standalone pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2008. The practice saw off competition from over 50 Scottish architectural practices to win the project which is backed by the Lighthouse and the Scottish Government.

The design, based on an original idea from Elisa Yon, consists of a set of stairs that will be constructed entirely from sustainable or resourced timber. Underneath the stairs, there will be an indoor area that will hold up to 100 people, and the outside steps will become a gathering space for up to 200 people. Situated in a major piazza during the first week of the Venice Biennale 2008, the pavilion will be used for seminars, organised events and informal gatherings.

The preview for the 2008 Venice Biennale will take place on 11th, 12th and 13th September, with the exhibition running from 14th September to 23rd November 2008.