the glasgow school of arts by steven holl architects
all images courtesy steven holl architects


steven holl architects have unveiled plans for the first phase of redevelopment
for the glasgow school of arts.

the new york firm in collaboration with local practice JM architects and arup engineering
won the international competition to renovate the school in september last year.
the new building will replace the newbery tower and foulis building directly opposite
charles rennie mackintosh’s acclaimed masterpiece on renfrew street.


steven holl architects strategy was inspired by mackintosh's inventive manipulation
of the building section for a tremendous variety of light. the plan for the new glasgow
school of art draws upon the push-pull typology of light of the mackintosh building
but moves forward using a new language of different light. the building is composed
studio volumes shaped by light and connected by a 'circuit of connection' which
encourages the creative contact central to the workings of the school.

the street level will open up connecting school and city. the envisioned building
skin is 100% recycled glass with an intelligent solar cavity harvesting heat in winter
and cooling in summer.






gallery space



gallery space



north and south light cuts connect studio sections, and convex light windows project from the facade