Springburn Winter Gardens design competition winner announced

The Glasgow Institute of Architects has revealed the winners of a design competition for a new gathering space and history resource at Springburn Winter Garden.

James Hand and Nik Klahre were named as the winners of the competition titled, “An intervention at Springburn Winter Gardens; to provide a place where people can gather and share collective memories.”

All entrants to the competition were asked to provide a computer generated model, which was 3D digitally printed by competition delivery partner MAKLAB. From a total of 25 entries a shortlist of five was selected by a specially selected panel of judges.



Paul John Sweeney, secretary of Springburn Winter Gardens Trust, said: “We were overwhelmed with the high quality of entrants and the vast array of novel ideas explored in response to our brief. Down-selecting our shortlist proved to be an arduous process and we therefore had to be quite ruthless in getting down to our final five designs.

“We are very excited by all of them and indeed there are many aspects of several designs we are keen to explore for other parts of the site. The winning design proved to be an excellent reflection of the brief and it has also responded in an innovative way to the A-listed character of the original Winter Gardens structure. We look forward to developing this design as the basis of our plans for this part of the site.”

The models then formed the basis of an exhibition that toured throughout the Springburn area. The general public were invited to cast their vote for their favoured finalist. There were 324 votes cast at venues that included Mosesfield House in Springburn Park, NG Homes local office, the local sports centre, the local shopping centre and the community space in a refurbished high rise block of flats.

Patricia Ferguson MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, said: “Springburn Winter Gardens is a building which, even in its current derelict state, is much loved by the people of Springburn. I am delighted that so many people from the area have had the opportunity to look at the designs and to express their views in the recent architectural completion. I think they will be delighted with the winning entry.”



The competition was designed to plant a seed of change. Given the lengthy stalemate endured by the Winter Gardens an intervention will facilitate a quick win to spark hope and enliven community support. This will allow the community to witness immediate change and provide the impetus to regenerate the whole structure.

Public voting has ensured that the community is central to the support and development of the process. It places the community at the heart of the Springburn Winter Gardens Trust’s work.

Competition winners, James and Nik, said: “We are both thrilled to have been selected as winners, it’s especially meaningful for us as the result has come from a public vote. We look forward to helping the Springburn Winter Garden Trust work toward the future revival of the Winter Gardens and hope it will once again become a cherished and animated part of the community.”

Following this local action Glasgow City Council have taken further measures to save the structure.



Councillor Gilbert Davidson of Springburn Ward, added: “I am pleased that the city council has been able to provide the funds to arrest the deterioration of the Winter Garden and has also given its backing to the Winter Garden Trust to bring back this once great building back into use for the people of Springburn.”

The exhibition will now go on general display in The Lighthouse, Glasgow from 29th January 2015 to 11th March 2015. James Hand and Nik Klahre will receive £1000 for 1st place, City of Play Design will receive £500 for 2nd place and Ruggero Lancia will get £250 for 3rd place.

The competition was supported by NG Homes.

Robert Tamburrini, CEO of NG Homes said: “We were delighted to be part of the design competition and to give our customers the opportunity to vote for their favourite design in our offices. We engage with a range of community groups across North Glasgow and where we can, we will continue to support the endeavours of Springburn Winter Gardens Trust in their aim to fully restore the hot house in Springburn Park.”


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