Brutal Concrete Workshop awarded SAY Award Design Commission
A Stirling crafter specialising in the use of low-carbon concrete has beaten off stiff competition to secure the 2023 Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award Design Commission.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 29 September 2023 9:27
Brutal Concrete Workshop, operated by Stuart Blackman and based in Causewayhead in Stirling, in the shadow of the Wallace Monument, boasts designs which buck the trend of traditionally cast concrete by creating structures which appear to have been sculpted by wind, rain and other natural forces.
With Stirling hosting the SAY Award for the second-year running, local artists and creatives were invited to submit expressions of interest to design prizes to be handed out on the night. Applicants had to demonstrate how they would place sustainability at the forefront of the design process, as well as developing innovative ideas and methods which focused on ethical considerations and a zero-waste approach.
Brutal Concrete Workshop utilises slag, a recycled product from the steel industry, as a substitute for cement in its designs. This reduces the concrete’s carbon footprint by up to 80% while maintaining its durability. The workshop also uses beeswax based products rather than petroleum based sealants.
Stuart said: "It’s very exciting to have been commissioned to make the prizes for the SAY Award. Concrete might not be the first material that springs to mind as an example of a sustainable material, but in many ways it is: the vast domed ceiling of the Pantheon looks as good today as it did when the Romans built it in the second century.
“I’ve been experimenting with a variety of non-cement concretes and this project is an ideal opportunity to put this research into practice to make something that is sustainable in every sense of the word.
“I’ve lived and worked in Stirling since 2010. Sitting at the boundary between the Highlands and Lowlands, it’s perfectly positioned for enjoying the temptations of both – a beautiful historic city with a thriving art and music scene and almost literally a stone’s throw from glorious countryside.”
Stirling Council Leader, Chris Kane said: “The standard of entries for the SAY Design Commission this year has been incredibly high and reflects the plethora of creative talent that Stirling has to offer. The commission is a marvellous opportunity for creatives to showcase their work and I would like to congratulate Stuart on being selected by the panel.
“The biggest event in Scotland’s musical calendar is fast approaching and Stirling is ready to welcome the great and good of the Scottish music industry as they celebrate the most exciting artists in the country.”
Hilary Goodfellow, Design Commission Producer & SAY Award Ceremony Event Manager commented: “Every year, the SAY Award Design Commission explores the special reciprocal relationship between art, design and music, and rewards creativity with creativity.
“It’s a pleasure working with Stuart of Brutal Concrete Workshop. He’s gone to extensive efforts to embed sustainability at all stages of the design and production process, experimenting with new techniques, processes and sourcing recycled materials.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the statuesque fruits of his labours unveiled at the SAY Award Ceremony on Thursday 26 October, and hope his creations will encourage people to reconsider any preconceptions which they may have regarding concrete.”
The SAY Design Commission offers a fee of £2,500 for the design and manufacture of the awards, and an exhibition of Brutal Concrete Workshop’s pieces will take place in The Tolbooth Gallery post SAY Award Ceremony.
The prizes will be showcased at this year’s SAY Award Ceremony, taking place on Thursday 26 October at The Albert Halls in Stirling. A short video package on the commission will be screened to all attendees before the prizes are presented to some of Scotland’s most outstanding musical talent.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Landmark active travel project in Stirling officially opens
A ground-breaking active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wild Food Festival returns from 17th to 18th May
From Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade
Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
Young Stirling musicians excited to be at the forefront of Stirling 900 gala parade
Young people in the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are excited and honoured to be among the bands at the front of the spectacular Stirling 900 finale parade on Saturday 29th March.
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring
To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORE
Brave P7 pupil hailed by school and charity
An inspirational pupil at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie has been hailed for his bravery in battling a rare lifelong condition by a primary school and a charity.
READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families
An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MORE
Local adults with learning disability excited to lead on innovative project
A group of adults with a learning disability in Stirling are leading on an innovative project that will equip them with new skills and help them raise funds to buy an electric tandem bike.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green
BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MORE
Public Invited to Spring Clean Sessions in Stirling with the BID and Dr Murray Cook
The Go Forth Stirling BID team and archaeologist Dr Murray Cook are spearheading a drive to clean up the city’s streets and improve the local environment.
READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week
To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MORE
Church of the Holy Rude opens for the 2025 Visitor Season, Celebrating Stirling 900
The Church of the Holy Rude, one of Scotland’s most significant religious landmarks, will open its doors for the 2025 visitor season on Saturday, 29th March.
READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up
With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break
From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MORE
Save our Society, Save our Souls
Ghouls, Giggles & Grave News – Stirling & Bridge of Allan’s oldest theatre group needs your support!
READ MORE
Residents and visitors invited to play their part in spectacular Stirling 900 parade
Residents and visitors are invited to create a carnival atmosphere at the finale to the Stirling 900 anniversary celebrations by turning out for one of the biggest pipe band parades the city has seen.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links