Architecture + Design Scotland

Argyle Street Hotel Development, Glasgow

18 October 2007

INTRODUCTION

This report relates to a planning application for a new hotel, to be located in Glasgow's Central Conservation Area, and International Financial Services District (IFSD). The current designs as referred to us by the Planning Authority were discussed by an internal Design Review panel on 9 October 2007. Preliminary designs were presented to an A+DS Design Review panel on 6 February 2007. This report is based on the original restricted report, issued on 1 March 2007, amended to take account of revisions that have been made since the earlier review.

A+DS VIEWS

1.         Introduction

1.1       Our restricted report, issued following the review of preliminary designs in February 2007, applauded the ambition of the client and project team, and recognised the importance to the City of this type and level of accommodation. However, we felt further justification was necessary to substantiate tall built form in this particular location, particularly given existing policies on height, and the relationship to listed buildings and the conservation area.

1.2       We were not convinced that the chosen site was an appropriate location for a tall, iconic building; and there did not appear to be any civic reason to justify a considerable increase in height at this location.

1.3       We considered that further work was required to consider the proposal in a wider context, and demonstrate the impact on more distant views and the skyscape of the city. We believed that more consideration needed to be given as to how the building touched the ground and the effect on the pedestrian experience.

1.4       Should a tall building be justified in this location then we considered that the designs required further development. The relationship of the smaller tower to the category B listed building appeared awkward, and we questioned whether the cupolas were an appropriate reference for the shape of the towers or whether a more delicate form would provide benefits in terms of the townscape and public realm.

1.5       The concept appeared to be confused and we suggested further clarification was necessary to explain whether the concept was for a tower that rose from the ground with a setting at ground level, or whether it was intended to complete a traditional urban block form to integrate the block as a whole.

2.         Design development

2.1       We recognise that certain aspects of the project have altered, most noticeably the reduction in height of the western tower; and that supporting information has been prepared to demonstrate the views of the building from a variety of positions. However, we still believe that a case has not yet been made for a tall building in this location.

2.2       If tall built form can be justified in this location, then we believe that a simplified design might be appropriate, as in their current form the towers lack elegance. We note the amendments that have been made to the smaller tower, but do not feel that they resolve our earlier concerns. The design concept seems confused, and the relationship with the listed façade remains awkward. We suggest that any design development should demonstrate greater clarity of idea, and have more respect for the relationship of the towers with existing Listed Buildings and the street.

CONCLUSION

We do not believe the case has yet been made to substantiate tall built form in this particular location. If the principle of a tall building can be substantiated then we consider that the design requires further development to achieve a clearer and more elegant solution.

We look forward to seeing how this project develops.

Report issued: 18 October 2007

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