“People are their place and a place is its people”
Edward, Relph, Place and Placelessness, (London: Pion, 1976), Pg 34

The proposed urban building is designed to develop a connection between the community and the urban fabric they inhabit. Prioritising Glas
gow Institute of Architects (GIA) as a client, focusing on creating an increased architectural awareness and education to the public, whilst
also providing workspace for students and members of the public to inhabit. Glasgow is a city of rich history, and the building aims to reflect a
context of surrounding architecture, acting as a platform for visitors giving them an opportunity to reflect, learn and be inspired at future possibilities. The site is located within a prominent location within the city, with Central Station being at the rear of the site, acting as a main artery for the city, creating two main “front” façades to the project. With the Northwest elevation not having any footfall, it will have a critical visual connection to the city by overlooking the train station, informing the design decision of placing important spaces to the rear of the site.
The building’s diverse programme aims to host various events and promote discussions about Glasgow with views and connections out to Central Station.
Hierarchy plays a key role in the building’s organisation by spaces being divided into three main categories: fully public, public by invitation
and private, allowing requirements for the project to be fully met. Public areas of the building are at the lower levels of the building and are ac
cessed through the main circulation. Connections vertically throughout the building are created to encourage curiosity for people to explore the spaces, using voids with a lantern skylight above, allowing light deep into the floor plan by the reflection off walls and walkways that are offset. A large lecture theatre was created to explore the site constraints with the retaining wall against Central Station driven by the clients, aims to host large talks and events. During periods of no events, this space could be used to harbour a wide range of activities including films and lectures.
The urban room is located at the heart of the building looking across the city where people can meet to debate and discuss, helping to shape
the future of their built environment, allowing a physical model of Glasgow City to be on display.

“External Configuration is usually rather simple, but there is packed into the interior of an organism an amazing complexity”
Robert Venturi, James Gowan, Vincent Joseph Scully, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture, (London: Architectural Press, 1977) Chapter 9 : The Inside and the Outside, Pg 70

The urban building recognises Glasgow’s varied architectural language, creating a montage of spaces within the walls, acting as a structure of curiosity with the outside not defining the inside. The ambition for this project required me to provide natural light into the deep narrow infill site within Glasgow City centre. Using top lighting and creating a void within the centre of the floor plan was an important architectural design decision. The lantern skylight is positioned directly above the main circulation and takes inspiration from the Central Station structure, looking to develop the buildings connection to its surrounding urban fabric. The skylight is carefully deigned to avoid overheating with mechanical glazing systems, creating a dramatic and illuminated space surrounding the main circulation. The front façade features a sandstone rain screen system, hung from steel framing. Careful consideration of window placement allowed stone placement to be well calculated. The limestone will complement the surrounding urban fabric along with providing a backdrop for city life to happen before it.
The use of thick and thin materials has been developed with internal storage and spaces being incorporated within the design. Technology for the building adopts a sustainable design ensuring low embodied carbon.