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11 November 2004
The Universityof Glasgow is pleased today to announce the re-opening of the hundred and three year-old Bower Building.
A fire in October 2001 severely damaged the building on University Avenue that housed the Botany (Plant Sciences) branch of the Universities Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences (IBLS) Department. The building formed an integral part in the aesthetic appeal of the Universities Gilmorehill Campus.
Pamela Ward, Project Officer for Estates and Buildings explains: 'Whilst the fire severely damaged the roof and internal make-up of the building, the facades of the building remained largely intact and a decision was taken at the earliest opportunity to retain the external envelope of the building in order to maintain the current visual impact of the University Campus.'
The original building has been insensitively altered on a piecemeal basis over many years, to the extent that most of the original character of the interior spaces has been largely destroyed. It was therefore considered of little benefit to retain this and the opportunity was taken to provide a modern research and teaching space.
The £10.8 million refit by Boswell Mitchell & Johnston Architects provides an additional floor level and features a central atrium space extending from the ground floor to a fully glazed roof lantern light. This central atrium space accommodates the main stair and lift connecting all the floor levels and provides a main focal point for the whole building. The area will also provide the opportunity for informal contact among staff and students and promote a sense of community. The original main entrance to the building is retained and leads through an entrance foyer directly into the central atrium space.
Professor Julia M. Goodfellow CBE, Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council will officially open the rebuilt Bower Building at 12 noon today.
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