Glasgow Faculty of Education Buildings : Information

Faculty of Education Photo from RMJM Architects 2003 2003 Roses Design Awards: University of Glasgow Faculty of Education by RMJM won 'Commendation in Best Commercial Category' St Andrew's Building University of Glasgow - Faculty of Education : Roses Design Awards RMJM PR Deputy First Minister opens new look Faculty of Education Faculty of Education Photo from RMJM Architects 2003 MSP Jim Wallace last night officially opened the St Andrew's Building at the University of Glasgow; the new home for the University's Faculty of Education. Located at Glasgow's former 'Dough School' built in 1913, the faculty has been given a contemporary façade and provides new focus to a building that had been neglected for a number of years. The imposing red sandstone building located opposite Kelvingrove Park was appended with a series of extensions in the 30's, 50's, 60's and 70's and when purchased by the University of Glasgow, internal circulation was confusing and facilities generally poor. The University commissioned architects RMJM to refurbish the interior to meet current standards for educational use, rationalise circulation, provide full disabled access and create a strong visual identity for the faculty. "Our design concept involved completely reversing the building and creating a 'battery pack' extension containing the main entrance, social areas and vertical circulation," explains Paul Stallan, director of RMJM's Glasgow office. "The result is a building that not only injects life into a previously neglected area of the city but one that provides clear circulation routes and access for all users of the faculty building, including disabled users." All floors of the existing building tie through those of the 'battery pack', with a horizontal loop providing an orientation reference point at each level. The new entrance is located two floors below the original entrance level, opening up a whole new space on the lower floors that was previously under-utilised. The large expanses of glass on the extension's façade on Eldon Street make the vertical circulation visible from the street and create a feeling of perpetual activity within the building, like a giant game of snakes and ladders. The picture windows also provide a frame for fantastic views across the city. Creative coloured lighting on each floor has been incorporated giving the building a theatrical night-time appearance and the impression of a glimpse of television voyeurism to passers-by. The development marks a gateway and a new urban area en route to the university's main Gilmorehill Campus and will house teaching facilities for over 1,200 students and 200 members of staff. The opening of the St Andrew's Faculty of Education adds to RMJM's extensive experience in the education sector, which includes the award-winning William Gates Computer Laboratory for the University of Cambridge, The Performance Academy at Newcastle College, Chemistry Research Laboratories for the University of Oxford and the de Havilland Campus for the University of Hertfordshire. 17.09.03