Following on from the GKC topic and given that a major exhibition of his work is about to start at the Dean in Edinburgh (and a touring exhibition hits Glasgow in December) lets dicuss the great Basil Spence, born in Scotland in 1907.
Most famous (some would have it infamous) locally for the Hutchiesontown C Developement in the Gorbals, Spence built several structures in Glasgow and environs. The Hutchiesontown C flats were never terribly successful as shoddy building methods and local authority neglect combined to disastrous effect, scuppering Spence's original vision for the broad balconied development; "On a Tuesday, when all the washing's out, they'll look like great ships in full sail!"
In Glasgow itself Spence’s most significant (only other?) building is Glasgow Airport and although the site has been extensively developed away from Spence’s 1961 plan, it’s still possible to see “great umbrella of concrete vaults” which make up the roof, a feature which Spence hoped would give the appearance of “a gateway to travel.”
“I wanted a design which helped the traveller to feel the adventure of flying from this particular airport”
This finished design featured zig zag plate glass walls on all four sides but these were thought to be too expensive there having been debates in Parliament as to whether the development of Glasgow Airport should take place at all, given the millions pledged to Prestwick.
There are further buildings in Edinburgh (though not perhaps as radical as the Glasgow developements with the possible exception of Mortonhall Crematorium which is striking) and the Academy in Kilsyth of 1954
Spence commented “Bricks and mortar can provide a background that is sympathetic to young and energetic minds which are growing and developing apace.”
More here
http://www.basilspence.org.uk/