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Springburn Winter Gardens shortlist unveiled

September 23 2014

Springburn Winter Gardens shortlist unveiled
A shortlist of five finalists from 25 entrants have been chosen in an ideas contest geared toward the rehabilitation of Springburn Winter Gardens; – the skeletal remains of a Victorian  glasshouse to the north of Glasgow.

These vary in approach from plans by The City of Play Design (scheme A) to transform the dilapidated site into a garden maze to David Tinto’s suggestion (scheme B) of establishing a ‘Memory Box’, a roller-fitted pavilion which can be split and joined along a custom built track.

Ruggero Lancia meanwhile (scheme C) has opted for a more conventional garden space which is flowery in both conception and language, as Lancia states: “The topography of the intervention site has been tessellated following a recursive subdivision process.”

WAP Architects take a different tack in scheme D, pursuing a seasonal summer garden as a counterpoint to the enveloping winter variety. This consciously adopts a grid layout in cognisance of Glasgow’s famous street layout.

Last, and certainly not least, James Hand and Nik Klahre have conceived of a sequence of contemporary sheds (scheme E) which recall the structural prowess of the rusting original.

Each scheme is currently the subject of a vote, now ongoing at a public exhibition in the offices of NG Homes, with the winner to be announced by the Glasgow Institute of Architects in November.
A corten steel pavilion will be permanently open to visitors in WAP Architects submission
A corten steel pavilion will be permanently open to visitors in WAP Architects submission
Having lost its way through the 20th Century The City of Play Design think they've found a way out for the Gardens
Having lost its way through the 20th Century The City of Play Design think they've found a way out for the Gardens

Ruggero Lancia envisages infilling the perimeter of the glasshouse with greenery and aromatic plants
Ruggero Lancia envisages infilling the perimeter of the glasshouse with greenery and aromatic plants
This adaptable pavilion from David Tinto refences Springburn's history as an engine of the global locomotive industry
This adaptable pavilion from David Tinto refences Springburn's history as an engine of the global locomotive industry

6 Comments

Guest
#1 Posted by Guest on 24 Sep 2014 at 09:16 AM
The David Tinto design (image 5) is very High Line (NYC) - esque.
Big Chantelle
#2 Posted by Big Chantelle on 24 Sep 2014 at 14:12 PM
So, is the greenhouse being left as a rusty mess? Don't tell me, the modernist brigade making all the proposals for the 'revamp' feel the rusty metal frame of the glasshouse speaks of the former ornate decadence come undone and so it's best to leave it a mess so that the boxy modernist revamp can look at peace beside it.

Here's a simple proposal: restore the greenhouse to its former glory. Put plants back in it.

Holler.
Paul Ewing
#3 Posted by Paul Ewing on 29 Sep 2014 at 14:53 PM
I'm afraid I am not in support of any of the ideas short listed here. I don't think that these will appeal to the upcoming generation of people who reside in the neighbouring areas. I would've been more in favour of something that incorporated reinstating the original structure and using it for say a coffee shop, gardens, museum of springburn etc..
Paul Sweeney
#4 Posted by Paul Sweeney on 29 Sep 2014 at 16:42 PM
Please note that the scope of this competition was intentionally limited to a small parcel of land situated adjacent to the original listed structure. It is intended to be a prelude or complementary phase to the full restoration and repurposing of the Winter Gardens building. The Springburn Winter Gardens Trust is currently undertaking a community consultation and feasibility study to that effect.

As outlined in the original Urban Realm article on the competition: "Part of an ‘incremental’ approach to full renovation of the A-listed landmark the competition is intended to engage with the local community and raise the profile of the restoration campaign.

In a statement the GIA said: “In 2009 it was estimated that full refurbishment of the structure is feasible and would likely cost around £4.67million. The fundamental issue is to determine a financially viable venture. A number of options have been suggested during the 30 years the structure has lain dormant but none have gained any traction.”

Paul Sweeney
Secretary
Springburn Winter Gardens Trust
Wendy Nelson
#5 Posted by Wendy Nelson on 29 Sep 2014 at 20:06 PM
I am not very impressed with these designs either. Restore the structure to its former glory; part as a greenhouse, coffee shop, art centre for the neighbourhood children, boxing ring for the youth to expel some of their energy, ice-skating rink. Please think of the people who live here!
Diane Anderson
#6 Posted by Diane Anderson on 29 Sep 2014 at 23:22 PM
I live just opposite the Winter Gardens and will be pleased to see any improvements. I particularly like the top picture. However I unfortunately think any plan will have to take into account the level of vandalism which is often perpetuated in the park. I watch the current shrubs being cut down and the glowers being thrown about the street. Quite upsetting but needs to be borne in mind. Apologies for the negativity!

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