GSA Names Five Architects Shortlisted for Mackintosh Building Restoration

John Hill

8. January 2015

Photo: Courtesy of Glasgow School of Art

Eight months after Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece was damaged in a fire, the Glasgow School of Art announced the names of the architects’ practices shortlisted to lead the building's restoration.

Following a PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) process, the five firms shortlisted are:

• Avanti Architects, London
• John McAslan + Partners, London & Manchester
• LDN Architects, Edinburgh & Forres
• Page \ Park, Glasgow
• Purcell, Hong Kong & UK

Liz Davidson, Mackintosh Restoration Project Director at the GSA, said in a statement, "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. They each bring the level of experience and expertise that is vital to the restoration of Mackintosh’s masterpiece."

The five practices will present detailed proposals to the restoration of the A Listed Mackintosh Building in mid-March, with the selection of the architect made by the end of the month.

Missing from the above, not surprisingly, is Glasgow-based architect Alan Dunlop, who trained at the GSA and recently told the Herald Scotland, "I think rebuilding it would just be just a replica of Mackintosh, and I am sure you could do it, but the best thing would to have a new idea, something new which is worthy of the Mackintosh Building."