steven holl architects win first prize for glasgow school of arts

glasgow school of arts by steven holl architects image courtesy steven holl architects

american firm steven holl architects together with scottish firm JM architects have been awarded first prize for their proposal to design a new building for the glasgow school of art (GSA).

the educational space will be built next to charles rennie makintosh’s original strcuture for the school.

the plan for the GSA draws upon the push-pull typology of light that is analogous to the original mackintosh building but moves forward using a new language. the building is composed of volumes shaped by light and connected by a ‘circuit of connection’ which encourages the creative contact central to the workings of the school.

voids of light, in the form of precast concrete, are central to the building section and structural support. north and south light cuts connect studio sections, and convex light windows project from the façade.

the main body of holl’s concept is a loose-fitting structure, which envelopes a plan composed of studio volumes. working with proportions and allowing good levels of light into the spaces, the space remains flexible for the future. the building skin is 100% recycled, fused glass with a solar cavity capable of harvesting heat in winter and cooling in summer.

the program includes work on a masterplan for the garnethill campus as well as 121 000 sq teaching and research building which is due to open in september 2013.

the glasgow art school building designed by charles rennie makintosh

model of circulation of building