Archial's design for the  National Centre of Excellence in Computer Games  Education at the University of Abertay  Dundee has picked up the prize for "Best Interior Design Project" at the annual DIA (Dundee Institute of Architects) Awards.

Abertay University is recognised as a world leader in computer games and interactive media courses, and has been at the forefront of games education and research for almost 15 years.  The National Centre of Excellence forms the core of the Institute for Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University which expands the range of graduates able to make an immediate commercial impact, and to drive the future success of the computer games and interactive industries within the national and global economies.

As part of the works commissioned by Abertay University, Archial provided a high quality refurbishment of Level 3 of the Kydd Building to create the Centre of Excellence in Computer Gaming Education - this comprises workstations, seminar and teaching rooms, an atrium and an external foyer.

High-gloss acrylic is used throughout, in sculptural form, reflecting light and energy and movement -  key elements  used in the creation of computer games.   This material, known as "Parapan", has been employed in combination with a translucent stretch membrane, behind which are placed coloured LED lights: these can be controlled by students, allowing a tailored enhancement to their presentations about the computer games products which they create.