In May 2008, Hoskins Architects won an anonymous competition to design 'A Gathering Space', Scotland's first ever stand-alone pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2008. The practice saw off competition from over 50 Scottish practices to win the project which was backed by the Scottish Government and the Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City.
The 7m high structure consists of a partially cantilevered set of steps that is constructed entirely from locally sourced Scottish larch. The form of the structure creates an enclosed area underneath that can hold up to 100 people, and the steps become a gathering space for up to 200 people. During the Biennale 'A Gathering Space' was situated in a major piazza outside the train station overlooking the Grand Canal, and was used for seminars, organised events and informal gatherings. Gathering Space was acclaimed as a real focal point and inspiration for those exploring the art of architecture at the Biennale - giving Scotland a successful premiere at Europe’s most respected architecture festival.