GLASGOW.- The Glasgow School of Art has unveiled details of its plans for the conversion of the former Stow College building today.

The design, by BDP architects, includes refurbishment of the five floors of the original 1930s building, replacement of the current rooftop extension (added in the 1960s) and glazing over the massive interior light wells to form two atria which will offer flexible spaces.

The refurbished ground floor will include a wide range of specialist workshops in spaces that had historically been used for technical education including boilermaking, foundry work and vehicle building, alongside newly created studios.

The next four floors will offer fully flexible studio space for undergraduate and post-graduate fine art students and academic offices.

The biggest change to the building will be the removal of the current top floor, which was added in the 1960s and is of much lower standard than the original 1930s building. It will be replaced with a new extension specifically designed to meet the needs of the Painting and Printmaking disciplines with top-lit north-facing windows ensuring a substantial provision of wall space. The partial double height space allows for the inclusion of a mezzanine floor.

“We have sought to develop a scheme that has a contextual relationship to the linear (east-west) pitched forms of Garnethill, with refined details in robust materials and to develop architecture that resonates with Glasgow’s industrial heritage – without being pastiche or crude.”-- BDP Architects.

Design and materials for the new top floor, which it is calculated will have a lifetime in excess of 100 years, reflect the industrial heritage of the trades people who had trained in the building and went on to work in Glasgow’s shipyards and factories.

“Today marks another important stage in our campus redevelopment plan,” says Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art.

“The Stow Building has been a distinctive part of Glasgow’s educational landscape for over 80 years. BDP’s design harnesses the full potential of the original 1930s building, with the new roof extension, while carefully considered to meet the very specific needs of fine art internally, plays tribute to Glasgow’s industrial heritage externally.

Scott Mackenzie, BDP Scotland Chair and Architect Principal added: “BDP is delighted to be part of the GTMS team working with the Glasgow School of Art to rejuvenate the former Stow College building as a School of Fine Art. This project not only brings new life to a cherished Glasgow landmark, but also provides the School of Fine Art with inspirational and truly world class teaching and learning spaces.”