The World Stage

The new Glasgow School of Art building by Stephen Holl and JM Architects is a building of real significance to the School, to Garnethill, to Glasgow, and to Scotland.

It’s rare that we dare to recognise that a building is being built on the world stage. And when we do we are uncharacteristically unembarrassed to be passionate and excited about the possibilities. It’s a good feeling for a designer to see people so engaged about design.

This is a great reminder of the power of buildings to change, or nurture, the narrative of a place. It’s a massive responsibility and an amazing opportunity. Great art makes you think differently. Once-in-a-century buildings do the same. Perhaps we need to look again at what we do every day as ‘a massive responsibiity and an amazing opportunity’.