PLANS by the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) to secure a long-term and sustainable future for its Mackintosh Building have been backed by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The historic building – which both organisations said is ‘one of the most important’ in Scotland and the UK – suffered major damage in a 2014 fire, before facing further damage in a second fire whilst it was undergoing a restoration project in 2018.
Glasgow School of Art revealed yesterday that the current cost of reinstatement of the building is ‘not affordable’, with estimates standing at £265 million. However, it remains committed to a faithful reinstatement and will now invest in a significant enabling project to provide a platform for future rebuilding.
Welcoming the news, RIAS and RIBA said in a joint statement, “The RIAS and RIBA welcome the Glasgow School of Art’s actions to secure a long-term and sustainable future for the Mackintosh Building. It is one of the most important buildings in Scotland and the UK: innovative, full of narrative, technically advanced and a piece of art in itself. Its recent history has been tragic, and every effort must be made to turn its fortunes around.
“The Glasgow School of Art should be commended for working proactively with architects to identify options focusing on a positive future for this amazing building. We support the School’s proposed approach to stablise the facade complete with stone repairs, thereby enabling all possible options for the building’s future, including its faithful reinstatement which we feel should remain everyone’s preferred outcome. This approach re-presents the building to the city and people of Glasgow after too many years behind scaffolding, and will serve as a visible reminder if any were needed of why it is so important.
“The Glasgow School of Art has concluded that the School cannot take forward the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh building on its own. That is true: a building of such national importance requires a national response if future generations are not to curse us for its loss or mutilation. We need leadership from the Scottish and UK Governments to find the resources needed to ensure the faithful reinstatement of the Mackintosh Building, and to secure its future as a revitalised creative hub serving Glasgow, Scotland and the world.”
