Architects Shortlisted for Glasgow School of Art Restoration

The Glasgow School of Art has announced the shortlist of architectural studios to lead the restoration of the Mackintosh building, which was nearly destroyed in a fire last May (see “Glasgow School of Art Goes Up in Flames”).

The five shortlisted studios—Avanti Architects (London), John McAslan + Partners (London and Manchester), LDN Architects LLP (Edinburgh and Forres), Page \ Park Architects (Glasgow) and Purcell (UK and Hong Kong—have been invited to present more detailed proposals of how they would approach the project.

“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,” Liz Davidson, Mackintosh Restoration Project director at the Glasgow School of Art, said in a statement. “They each bring the level of experience and expertise that is vital to the restoration of Mackintosh’s masterpiece.”

The final decision will be made later in March, culminating a thorough search for the appropriate team to restore the iconic Art Nouveau building, which began last summer (see “Glasgow School of Art Seeks Design Team”).

Last November it was revealed that the fire was caused by the flammable gases from a canister of expanding foam that a student was using in one of the studios (see “Origin of the Glasgow School of Art Fire Revealed”).