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.