Caledonia Road Church

Caledonia Road Church (drawing)

What are the constraints facing architects as they tackle the redevelopment of old buildings such as Caledonia Road Church?

There is an ongoing debate in Glasgow concerning the preservation of an unused Alexander Thomson building, the Caledonia Road Church. This striking building is a landmark in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. It is lit up at night which draws attention to its architectural importance and its beauty.

The Gorbals area of Glasgow is undergoing massive redevelopment, and it is important that whilst housing and community facilities are regenerated, the heritage of the area is not lost. There has been a lot of debate about the future of Caledonia Road Church. Should it be refurbished as a centre which celebrates Thomson’s work, or for another purpose such as housing or a commercial venture? What do you think? What sort of constraints and considerations would the council, architects and designers face?

History

Any redesign has to take into account the church’s history. It was built in 1856/7 together with two adjoining tenements. The shell of the church – it has been empty for over 30 years – is one of the few remaining features of 19th-century Gorbals and makes an impressive architectural statement.

The building is Grade A listed but although complete restoration may be desirable, the council is prepared to see restoration mixed with “restrained modern interpretation of Greek Classical style, reflecting the original architectural features”. That means designers and architects could suggest several modern uses, as long as they are “relevant and accessible to the local community”.

Ideas include: a spiritual or social justice centre to act as a meeting place, lecture hall and cultural venue; a permanent Alexander Thomson museum; a centre of excellence in urban conservation studies which could involve conservation work and academic study; and a further and higher education centre.

A Different Model

An example of an old building which has been refurbished and which, unlike the Caledonia Road Church, has undergone several changes in use is Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art. The front part of the building was originally built as a fine Tobacco Lord’s house by William Cunninghame in 1778. It was extended in 1827 by David Hamilton to become the city’s Royal Exchange. In 1996, after an extensive refurbishment programme, it opened as The Gallery of Modern Art.

Considerations

Designers and architects considering the conservation and refurbishment of an important old building such as the Caledonia Road Church might consider the following points:

Overall design – must be harmonious, must not be alien to local tradition, and must contribute towards a particular local identity.

Quality of materials – the building must transcend changes in architectural fashion and must last well beyond the middle of the century.

Building lines, frontages and heights, finishing materials, pavement widths and barrier-free access for the disabled.

Regulations for housing (if proposed) – including insulation against traffic noise, thermal insulation to minimise heating costs and energy use and requirements for privacy and daylighting.

Security and servicing – building security and crime prevention must be given high priority, secure gardens might need card-operated door systems and good lighting, and all developments need sufficient refuse storage space, emergency access and perhaps car parking

Utilities and internal services – no overhead cables, TV aerials or satellite dishes are allowed in the area, so TV and telephone cables would have to be laid underground before footpaths were completed.

Possibilities

Consider the above and come up with some drawings and proposals for the conservation of Caledonia Road Church, or alternatively, for an old building near you which you would like to see preserved. Which of the above constraints will most affect your design, or the cost of the building? Why?