Architectural practice Dyer Associates has won an architectural competition to design Scotland's first University campus of the 21st century it was announced today. Queen Margaret University College (QMUC) launched an international competition, managed by The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, to find an architect for its new East Lothian campus in September last year. Dyer Associates' winning proposal to carry out the detailed design work for the first phase of the project which includes new academic buildings and infrastructure was chosen from over 30 entries from architectural practices from the UK and Europe.

Subject to obtaining planning permission, the new campus will be built on a site at Craighall - an area of 35 acres in East Lothian, adjacent to Musselburgh - and will include student residences and sports facilities as well as faculty buildings.

QMUC principal Professor Anthony Cohen said: "We asked the shortlisted firms for design ideas for the Learning Resource Centre which will be situated at the main entrance to the campus as a symbol of our vision for the future of higher education in Scotland. Entries were judged on aethetics, sustainability, track record and best value. The proposals we received were all inspirational but Dyer Associates' vision was the most innovative interpretation of the brief."

Dyer Associates is recognised as one of the UK's leading design practices with experience in the education sector. The winning proposals for the new Craighall site focus on the Learning Resource Centre as a vibrant and dynamic space at the heart of the campus. An internal atrium and open-plan street with views out to other buildings and to the landscaped parkland will become the social hub, promoting a sense of shared learning and collective endeavour.

Philip Ball, a design director of the practice, said: "Dyer Associates is extremely excited to have been selected for this prestigious project. We believe it represents a fantastic opportunity to create a landmark development for QMUC, which will capitalise upon its unique setting and provide a people-focused learning environment for the 21st century."

QMUC vice principal Rosalyn Marshall, who is heading up the relocation project, said: "I am very impressed with the standard of the winning proposals and look forward to working with the team at Dyer Associates to deliver a campus worthy of a dynamic institution and of the location we have chosen. The Learning Resource Centre, which was the focus of the design competition, is an intrinsic part of our commitment to be accessible to the local community. Dyer Associates have proposed a building which will be a focal point for everyone using the campus for years to come. The practice has demonstrated considerable expertise in the UK education sector and their design approach for our academic village are in keeping with our aim to provide a safe, friendly and sustainable environment to live, learn, work and relax."

The selection panel was chaired by Dr Barbara Kelly and included Professor Anthony Cohen, Principal, QMUC; Rosalyn Marshall, Vice Principal and Re:LOCATE Project Controller, QMUC; Patricia McDonald, Environmental expert and Landscape Architect, Prof. Robin Webster, Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Andrew Wright, Commissioner of the Royal Fine Arts Commission for Scotland and a past President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, and Steve Scott, Director of Estates and Facilities, QMUC. Brian Moore, Director of RIAS Consultancy, managed the selection process.

Brian Moore, Director, RIAS Consultancy, said: "The new campus for QMUC is one of the most exciting and prestigious projects we have been involved with in recent years. This was confirmed by the number and calibre of practices who responded to the opportunity. The process of selecting a single winner from the competition was onerous, but the selection panel is confident that Dyer Associates will provide QMUC with a new campus that will create an inspiring teaching and learning environment."

The masterplan for the site was submitted to East Lothian planning authorities for approval on 30th October last year. A decision is expected in Spring 2004 and staff and students expect to relocate from QMUC's existing sites at Corstorphine and Leith in 2007.