A major architecture and design project that followed the success of Living at Belsay. Sitooterie is a Scottish colloquial term, meaning literally to 'sit out a dance', or to find a quiet corner.
For this exhibition, designers, architects and artists were asked to reflect upon this meaning and to design and build a place for retreat and/or private reflection. Twelve specially commissioned sitooteries for the gardens and hall were made and ranged from Thomas Heatherwick's 'Hairy Sitooterie' through to Lord Foster’s Bandstand, Julian Opie's Shelter and Welfare State International’s Wishbone House.
These contemporary 'pavilions' caught the attention of the press and public and The Sitooteries continues to attract coverage, appearing in numerous publications on contemporary architecture and gardens. The project is acknowledged as one of the most successful collaborations in delivering a unique and ambitious art and architecture exhibition and has been the inspiration for many other similar outdoor projects.
