The Glasgow School of Art has announced the names of the architects’ practices shortlisted to lead the restoration of the Mackintosh Building, which was badly damaged by fire in 2014.
The five-strong shortlist is Avanti Architects, John McAslan + Partners, LDN Architects LLP, Page \ Park Architects and Purcell.
Liz Davidson, Mackintosh Restoration Project director at The Glasgow School of Art, says: ‘All of the shortlisted practices have a strong record in undertaking major restoration and work in historic buildings together with an impressive commitment to the use of new technology and the finest craftsmanship.’
The west wing of the building after it was damaged by fire. Photo:
London-based Avanti Architects’ past portfolio of heritage building work includes the project to bring back into use Alfred Waterhouse’s 1887 Victoria Building at Liverpool University and the restoration of the Art Deco Midland Hotel in Morecambe. The practice is currently working with international arts practice NVA on its St Peter’s Seminary, Cardross project.
In 2007, Edinburgh, London and Manchester-based John McAslan + Partners undertook the restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s re-design of 78 Derngate in Northampton. The practice also led the restoration of Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff’s Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion and of the iconic Marché en Fer in Haiti. One of the McAslan’s most recent projects is the development of London’s King’s Cross Station.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visiting the building
Edinburgh and Forres-based LDN Architects LLP have undertaken a range of heritage projects, particularly in Scotland. These include Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion and the A Listed Fort Augustus Abbey on Loch Ness.
Among the projects in Glasgow-based Page \ Park ‘s historic buildings portfolio are the redevelopment of Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Art, the recent refurbishment of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the conversion of Mackintosh’s Herald Building into The Lighthouse architecture and design centre. The practice has recently completed the extension to Glasgow’s historic Theatre Royal.
Although the fire was hugely destructive, more than 90 per cent of the building remains viable.
UK and Hong Kong-based Purcell’s historic building projects have ranged from the redevelopment of Hong Kong’s 1841 Central Police Station to work at Kew Palace, Knowle House, The School of Arts in Chatham and the National Mining Museum in Scotland.
The five practices have now been invited to present more detailed proposals on their approach to the restoration of the A Listed Mackintosh Building as a fully functioning architecture, art and design school. The presentations will take place in mid March 2015 with the appointment made later in the month.
