Wolfson Medical School University of Glasgow, Photos, Location, Design Images

Wolfson Medical School

University of Glasgow Building, Strathclyde, west Scotland design by Reiach and Hall Architects

Design: Reiach and Hall Architects, Edinburgh

Medical School

Context and Background

Wolfson Medical School Glasgow building photo by Gavin Fraser

Wolfson Medical School Glasgow

Wolfson Medical School, University of Glasgow

The fundamental architectural concept of this project of three articulated blocks arranged around a triangular atrium remains unchanged from the original design competition winning submission. This concept is generated by a strong simple organisational (or parti) diagram which responds to a very specific user brief, Reiach and Hall’s initial masterplan strategy for the Western Court site, and the urban landscape of the West End of Glasgow. Site development strategy proposals are based upon a contemporary reinterpretation of the original urban grain and building scale prior to the early 1970’s major road re-alignment and demolition works.

Precedents

In parallel with this historical analysis, inspiration to inform the design direction was drawn from and acknowledges the significance of several influential existing local precedents examples of which include:

· the collegiate arrangement of quadrangles and “inhabited walls” exemplified by the Gilbert Scott main building.
· successful “gushett” resolution found elsewhere in Glasgow’s West End exemplified by the Argyle Street/Sauchiehall Street junction.
· the West End’s network of “lively lanes” exemplified by Ashton Lane
· “object buildings” sensitive and appropriate to their surroundings exemplified by the Round Reading Room, which Reiach and Hall recently refurbished for the University.

Wolfson Medical School Glasgow photo by Gavin Fraser

Spatial Organisation

The design synthesises these and other considerations into a bold but sympathetic piece of urban planning in which the new Medical School performs a pivotal role. Within the proposed overall masterplan framework the new Medical School has a prominent setting at the apex of the triangular “gushett” site. Building face alignment is responsive to the existing roads configuration through a hierarchical series of primary and secondary edges expressed in rectilinear forms. In contrast, a radial object element acts as a counterpoint.

Four elements accommodate the Medical School’s space requirements:

· learning accommodation with the larger L-shaped block addressing University Avenue and the new University Quadrangle.
· service or ancillary type accommodation within the smaller L-shaped block responds to the site indent created by the existing Western Infirmary pharmacy.
· the triangular atrium court reconciles the conflicting geometries imposed by the “gushett” condition and becomes the physical and social core of the new facility.
· the study landscape/administration accommodation contained within a curvilinear form becomes the object building or icon for the new Medical School.

Accommodation

The learning accommodation block re-instates the original urban grain of this site by forming a primary edge condition to University Avenue and a secondary edge to the Hortus Medicus quadrangle. All the Seminar, group tutorial, Clinical Skills and Communication Skills learning areas are housed within this block along with some academic offices and the common room.

The façade to University Avenue is primarily of natural ashlar sandstone layered upon smooth white render. In contrast, the façade to the medical garden is primarily clad in smooth white render with some sandstone features and slot fenestration.

The service/ancillary accommodation block forms a secondary edge to University Place and the pharmacy adjacent. Horizontal and vertical services distribution is concentrated within this block along with lifts, stairs, toilets, stores and some ancillary rooms (eg. actors and patients room).

Fenestration is kept to a minimum and is expressed by a combination of vertical and horizontal window and louvre slots. Walls are smooth white render.

The atrium court is the social and physical heart of the new building. It is envisaged as a multipurpose space to cater for differing user requirements eg. informal functions, exhibitions, receptions, student forum etc. This space is capable of combining in a variety of ways with the common room and the seminar room’s foyer space dependent on functional requirements. The circulation zones and accommodation interfaces adjacent to the atrium vary on each floor.

At ground floor level, a colonnade acts as the interface between occupied space and the atrium. At first floor level, a glazed balustrade gallery surrounds the atrium void on two sides. At second floor level, learning accommodation rooms abut the atrium void. The service core accommodation on each level is effectively screened by projecting locker banks and informal seating areas.

The study landscape curvilinear block acts as a powerful contrasting element to the rectilinear geometry of the other elements, and is envisaged as the iconic element for the new Medical School. It is located on the most prominent location within the available site ie. the apex of the gushett.

The study and resource base accommodation occupies the top three floors of this block with the Dean’s Group office accommodation located on the ground floor adjacent to the main entrance.

The architectural expression of this element is of a crystalline minimalist glass envelope with a projecting second glass skin acting as a solar control device.

Design and Construction Challenges

The use of glass as a primary structural material both for the atrium roof beams (which have varying spans up to 16m) and the cantilevered outer skin of the study landscape curved wall has proved to be the most significant design and construction challenge.

External Spaces

The design philosophy is not restricted to the new building and its inter-relationship with the city. The landscaped spaces around and between the built forms are considered to be equally important, and consequently influence the internal spatial organisation.

Two new public open spaces, each with a distinct character and purpose are proposed.

Hortus Medicus

The earliest botanic gardens established in Europe were collections of plants for education in university medical schools. The first botanists were all practising doctors. The physic garden of the University of Glasgow, established in 1704 and demolished during the 19th century, was very much part of the University’s history. Re-introduction of this tradition is proposed by providing a contemporary equivalent of the traditional Hortus Medicus, a garden to demonstrate plants useful in medicine.

Medics’ Corner

The Medics’ Corner links the Medical School with the wider urban fabric. A proposed piece of public art will provide a focal point. Plant containers, trees and other street furniture will punctuate the plaza. The Medics’ Corner will become a central meeting point in the students’ university life and, in time, a key landmark along University Avenue.

Contract Timetable

Construction work started on site in October 2000 and completed in August 2002. The contract value is £9m.

Wolfson Medical School – Building Information

Client: University of Glasgow
Architect: Reiach and Hall Architects
Quantity Surveyor: Turner & Townsend
Structural Engineer: URS Corporation
Façade Engineer Arup Facade Engineering
Specialist Glazing Mag Hansen
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Hulley & Kirkwood
Landscape Architect: Gross Max
Planning Supervisor: Beattie Watkinson Planning Supervisors
Contractor: Costain

Wolfson Medical School, Glasgow: Jan 2003

The Wolfson Medical School was one of eight RIBA Award-winning buildings in Scotland in 2003.

The School opened on University Avenue Autumn 2002:

Reiach and Hall Architects, who won the Wolfson Medical School commission following a competition in 1999

You can make a medical promo video on the MakeWebVideo.com website

REIACH AND HALL ARCHITECTS : WOLFSON MEDICAL SCHOOL

for the University of Glasgow

Dynamic Place Awards 2003

Following on from an RIBA award in the summer, the Wolfson Medical School by Reiach and Hall Architects for the University of Glasgow has now received a Dynamic Place Award 2003.

The Dynamic Place Awards recognise excellence in the design and implementation of projects which enhance Scotland’s urban and rural environments. Now in their third year, these awards are an important catalyst towards improving and promoting the economy and environment of Scotland. This aim is promoted by the Scottish Enterprise and supported by Communities Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Judges visited the Wolfson Medical School earlier this year. Their credit notes the Wolfson Medical School as “A superb new building on a highly visible gushet site. Accommodating new methods of medical teaching the building was created not only to respond to a detailed brief from the Medical Faculty but to create a new icon for Glasgow’s West End, something it has undoubtably achieved.”

Reiach And Hall Architects : Bcia Awards : Prime Minister’s Awards 2004
Wolfson Medical School For The University Of Glasgow

BCIA & PRIME MINISTER’S BETTER PUBLIC BUILDINGS AWARD SHORTLIST

‘The Wolfson demonstrates superbly how design for the education sector can be beautiful as well as functional. It has been created to allow for new methods of medical teaching, but also to provide a fitting landmark for Glasgow ‘s West End in the University’s 550th anniversary year.’
Prime Minister’s ‘Better Public Buildings Awards’ 2004 and BCIA judges comments made following their visit to the shortlisted Wolfson Medical School Building for the University of Glasgow.

As one of only two projects in Scotland to win a Civic Trust Award earlier this year the Wolfson Medical School Building for the University of Glasgow has now become the only Scots architectural project to make it through to the elite shortlist for this year’s Prime Minister’s ‘Better Public Buildings Awards’ 2004.

The Prime Minister’s Better Public Buildings scheme underlines the “Government’s commitment to ensuring that its building programme delivers a well designed, high quality environment for the 21st Century.” The Prime Ministers Award, since its inception in 1991, is hosted by the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA).

Out of a record 225 entries, the Wolfson Medical School Building has also made the BCIA shortlist for the ‘Building Award’. Now in its 17th year the BCIA awards are an “industry-wide scheme to recognise excellence in the overall design, construction and delivery of buildings and civil engineering projects.”

The ‘Building Award’ takes the Wolfson Medical School Building to join the Architecture Building for Lincoln University, BP Sunbury Business Park, City and Islington College Life Long Learning Centre, Raines Court development in London N16 and the UBS & LSO Music Education Centre in London EC1 as one of the international projects to go forward and await the award announcements at the Gala Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London W1, on 28 October.

Wolfson : main page on the building

Wolfson Medical School building photo by Gavin Fraser