Glasgow Historic Hospitals Architecture, Strathclyde Medical Buildings, Interesting Healthcare Scotland Design Projects
The Interesting Architecture of Glasgow’s Historic Hospitals
Health Architecture in Strathclyde, western Scotland : Designs + Architects
22 February 2023
Scotland has always been famed for its medicine, and go to Glasgow or Edinburgh and you’ll find beautiful architecture of medical and former medical buildings all over the city.
Of course, times have changed since, with many a rehab centre, hospital and surgery having now popped up, all with rather bland and monotonous designs. That wasn’t always the case though, and whether someone was suffering from a broken leg, addiction or any form of illness they would have been once housed in rather magnificent buildings.
That’s why we decided to take a step back into the past of some of Glasgow’s historic and rather splendid hospital architecture.
The Royal Infirmary
One of the most famous hospitals in Glasgow is the Royal Infirmary, established in 1794. The original hospital building, designed by architect Robert Adam, was a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, with its grand columns and elegant façade. However, as the hospital grew and expanded over the years, new buildings were added to the site, each with their own architectural style. The most recent addition to the site is the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which opened in 2015 and boasts a modern design that is a stark contrast to the older buildings on the site.
The Western Infirmary
The hospital, designed by architect James Thomson, is an example of Scottish baronial architecture, with its striking towers and turrets. The hospital was expanded over the years, and new buildings were added to the site in a variety of architectural styles. Today, the Western Infirmary site is home to the University of Glasgow’s medical school, as well as a number of other healthcare facilities.
The Maternity Hospital
The Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital, was founded in 1834 and was originally housed in a beautiful Georgian building on St. Mungo Avenue, but as the hospital grew, a new building was constructed on the same site in the early 20th century. The new building was designed by architect James Miller, and it features a stunning art deco façade, with its intricate carvings and decorative elements.
The Southern General
The Southern General Hospital, which opened in 1914 and was designed by architect James Miller and features an impressive neoclassical design. The hospital was expanded over the years, with new buildings being added to the site in a variety of architectural styles. Today, the Southern General Hospital is part of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital complex.
Victoria Infirmary
The Victoria Infirmary is a stunning example of late Victorian architecture. The hospital was designed by architect Robert Baldie and features a striking red sandstone façade, with intricate carvings and decorative elements. The hospital was expanded over the years, and new buildings were added to the site in a variety of architectural styles. Today, the Victoria Infirmary site is home to a number of healthcare facilities, as well as residential apartments.
Gartnavel Royal
Finally, the Gartnavel Royal Hospital, built in 1921, has a unique architectural style. The hospital was originally designed by architect Robert Lorimer, and it features a mix of Tudor and Scottish baronial architectural elements. Over the years, new buildings were added to the site, each with their own unique style. Today, the Gartnavel Royal Hospital is part of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board.
Comments on this guide to IGlasgow Historic Hospitals Architecture article are welcome.
Glasgow Healthcare Buildings
Children’s Hospital Loch Lomond – Robin House
Design: Gareth Hoskins Architects
photo © Andrew Lee
Children’s Hospital Loch Lomond
Healthcare Building in Glasgow
Maggies Gartnavel
Design: Rem Koolhaas Architect – OMA
Maggies Gartnavel
Glasgow Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit Phase 2
Design: Reiach and Hall
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank
Design: Holmes
Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Neonatal Building Southern General
Neonatal Building Southern General
New South Glasgow Hospital Campus – Adult and Children’s Hospitals
Design: IBI Nightingale, formerly Nightingale Associates
Southern General Hospital
New Stobhill Hospital
New Stobhill Hospital
New Victoria Hospital, Queen’s Park, south side of Glasgow.
Design: HLM Architects
New Victoria Hospital Glasgow
Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, north west Glasgow
Design: Reiach and Hall Architects
Beatson Institute
Gartnavel Royal Hospital
Design: macmon chartered architects
Gartnavel Royal Hospital
Maggies Centre Glasgow
Design: Page Park Architects
Maggies Centre Glasgow
Royal Alexandria Hospital Paisley
Design: Burns Design
Royal Alexandria Hospital Paisley
Small Animal Hospital, Garscube Estate
Design: Archial Architects
Small Animal Hospital
Health Buildings in Strathclyde
Health Buildings in Strathclyde, alphabetical:
Erskine Care Unit
Design: Cooper Cromar Architects
Erskine Care Unit
Forth Valley Hospital
Forth Valley Hospital
Maggies Lanarkshire
Design: Reiach and Hall Architects
Maggies Lanarkshire
Marie Curie Hospice at Stobhill Hospital
Architects: JDDK (Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Ltd.)
Marie Curie Hospice
Mid-Argyll Community Hospital & Integrated Care Centre
Design: HLM Architects
Mid-Argyll Community Hospital
Sandy Road Clinic
Design: Gareth Hoskins Architects
Sandy Road Clinic
More Glasgow Hospital Buildings online soon
Architecture in Strathclyde
Comments / photos for the Glasgow Historic Hospitals Architecture page welcome
