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Mackintosh's World Renowned Glasgow School of Art Destroyed by Fire

Mackintosh's World Renowned Glasgow School of Art Destroyed by Fire

The Glasgow School of Art—considered Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterwork—has caught fire, and early reports indicate that a large section of the building has been destroyed. Considered a “total work of art,” Mackintosh fused arts and crafts elements with a robust, almost industrial structure, which, in many ways, presaged the development of modernism. Steven Holl Architects recently completed an addition to the building, which AN just reviewed. Holl and design partner Chris McVoy released the following statements.

“It is unbelievably tragic for architecture and the history of architecture. This is an unimaginably sad and deeply spiritual loss. We are thankful that all the students are safe. The loss to their future education is devastating,” Holl wrote. McVoy added: “One of the most spiritual corners of this world has been devastated. We are so sorry especially for all the community of the School. Heartfelt wishes for resilience.”

According to the Guardian, firefighters are assessing the damage. Apparently the entire West Wing of the building has been lost.

The GSA’s Board Chair Muriel Gray released the following statement:

Today is a really black one for the GSA, but I cannot thank the fire brigade enough for the speed with which they came and their commitment to contain and extinguish the fire.

Fortunately there have been no fatalities or injuries.

I am so proud of the staff and students and how everyone has pulled together. We are thankful to all the Glaswegians who turned up to comfort students and to friends from across the world for their messages of support.

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