George Square Cafe Competitionmore informationGeorge Square is intensively used – promotions, festivals, celebrations and ceremonies. It is very much in the public eye and is criss- crossed and surrounded by pedestrian movement. On sunny days the square is thronged with tourists, office workers, shoppers and students. Each Christmas it is loved by families and children. Some years ago an unsightly timber information kiosk located on the west side of the square was finally removed and the Tourist Office relocated in a building on the south side of the square. One of the main issues concerning the proposed café is therefore to achieve a solution which does not reintroduce an unwelcome building! The café must be attractive but at the same time, in an ideal way, it should perhaps be a non- building, perhaps more part of the landscape of the square. In this way a highly sustainable solution can also be generated, an important component of building design for the 21st century. Cities such as Graz have rapidly propelled themselves forward as destinations through a number of key projects, in particular a striking new café which is a focus for people by day and night. George Square can aim to achieve similar heights. We propose an exciting and razor- sharp incision into the surface of the square, cutting- edge architecture- landscape and engineering in the heart of Glasgow. This is a statement of intent, a place and an image that Glasgow can compare with other leading cities. The café would frame views of the City Chambers - one of Glasgow’s architectural jewels and would rise from the surface of the square in sympathy with the stepping profile of the Merchants’ Building behind. The top of the café is also to be used – there should be no loss of public area in the square – indeed this would be a fantastic new vantage point and a place to be seen. At the same time it must also not compromise the movement of people or to the many events which will take place in the square – it should plug into these events. It will also generate refuse, empty bottles (to be recycled), heat and cooking smells – all aspects which must be well integrated although the square will continue to be intensively used by people. |
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