it Glasgow, United Kingdom
CREATE New buildings for a new century
Competitions - Restricted
Result September 08, 2009. published on September 09, 2009
Original title:
CREATE New buildings for a new century
The objective of the competition is to select a world-class design team that is capable of interpreting our educational objectives to create beautiful – and practical – architecture in an extraordinary setting. However, with our vision to create a world-class environment for creative education and research come a number of major challenges. Not only must prospective design teams consider the many and complex requirements of a modern art school, but also its urban location and relationship with Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s ‘masterwork’ and a potential World Heritage site.
The competition itself will be a two-stage process: the first to establish a shortlist; the second to determine a winner. There is no expectation of a definitive design at either stage. Instead, what is required is a creative response to the competition brief – the ultimate challenge.
The School’s vision is to provide world-class creative education and research in
architecture, design and fine art which makes a significant economic, social and
cultural contribution. This requires the School to address the very significant
problems with its current estate.
The current estate is scattered across nine academic buildings in the Garnethill
area of Glasgow. The premises have been collected piecemeal as the School has
grown. The campus lacks coherence, common standards and adaptability to suit
modern requirements.
The results of a number of studies carried out for GSA over the past five years
have guided an estate strategy that envisages a new urban campus on three of the
School’s existing sites, congregated around the original Mackintosh Building
(disposing of the other surplus properties).
The campus will support a rich and lively student life and promote connectivity
and the cross fertilisation of ideas that is the life-blood of a creative learning and
research community.
The estate strategy has been submitted to the Scottish Funding Council and an in-
principle decision to progress with Phase 1 given1.
The commission for the winning designer will comprise two distinct parts:
1. To develop the strategic conclusions of the outline business case and
outline brief into a sustainable master-plan for the School of approximately
33,300m2 gross space (including the Mackintosh Building).
2. To design and deliver Phase 1 of the master-plan; approximately 11,250m2 of
gross space on the site opposite the Mackintosh Building.
The programme of functions and activities for the Phase 1 building will be
confirmed finally from the outcome of the master-plan study. However, plans
for accommodation to be provided include (but are not limited to):
- Studio and Project spaces.
- Co-located general workshops and specialist technical workshops.
- Lecture theatre and seminar rooms.
- Postgraduate workrooms and Research spaces.
- Exhibition spaces.
- Informal learning and social spaces.
- Student Union facilities including the famous Art School Club venue.
- Catering facilities for students, staff and visitors.
- Academic administration spaces.
- Senior Management office facilities.
- The ‘Window on Mackintosh’ interpretation space related to, and facing, the
Mackintosh Building (NB the fit-out of this space forms part of a separate
project, with the interior design by others).
Although the School expects its new building to be a worthy partner to the
Mackintosh Building and to be of exceptional and lasting design quality, it must –
first and foremost – provide inspiring, stimulating and comfortable environments
for the people who work, study, meet and play in it. It must excite.
Winner
Steven Holl Architects, JMarchitects

Published Wed Sep 16 16:08:21 +0200 2009. © Steven Holl Architects . All Rights Reserved
Finalist
MANGADO ARCHITECTS

Published Thu Oct 29 17:54:45 +0100 2009. © MANGADO ARCHITECTS . All Rights Reserved
Finalist
Robin Lee Architecture, John McAslan & Partners

Published Tue Jan 22 09:38:31 +0100 2013. © Robin Lee Architecture . All Rights Reserved