This is a significant moment in the development of the
University of Glasgow. I am very glad that there is an opportunity to contribute to the campus
vision through an initial consultation which concluded today. The University of Glasgow's efforts to gather views by engaging a wide
range of stakeholders and reaching out to consult the diverse communities across the
West End is very much welcomed. My responses to the questions are detailed as follows:-
1) What do you think are the essential campus facilities that it should provide to achieve these goals?
The
campus has to provide world class research labs and access to
technologies which are the most advanced available. This is a
requirement to secure the most talented staff and students as well as
support from funding bodies or private donor.
In the past weeks, the
levels of child poverty, fuel poverty, cancer, heart disease, stroke and
obesity have been at the forefront of my day to day discussions. It
would be necessary for the facilities to continue to explore the causes
of poor health and find long term solutions through world renouned
research work.
I hear from the Stroke Association that the research into
Stroke is much less than other major diseases and there is a urgent
need to address this gap. Help is required to take forward research in
to life after stroke, gaining insight in to solutions to support
recovery and self management.
There are ongoing concerns about air
pollution and links between air quality and chronic ill health or lung
diseases. Research into this particular health issue could be developed
at the campus. The facilities are located within an air pollution
hotspot and designated Air Quality Management Area. There is an
opportunity for the design to contribute to reducing traffic in the area
and supporting air quality actions e.g. cycling, electric vehicle or
hybrid fleet, car club, tree planting, public transport usage.
It
should promote environmental sustainability including energy efficiency,
zero waste, cuts to carbon footprint and renewable energy technology
within its design and research capacity.
The overall facilities have
to respect the historic context and architectural features of the site
and its curtilage. The boundary walls and outward aspect as well as
materials, colours and general appearance should be recognised as of
utmost importance in the site's identity and sense of place. They create
the basis for framing the site facilities and taking forward a proposal
that fit within the wider setting of Glasgow West Conservation Area.
2) What do you think the University should do to be more welcoming and provide a feeling of openness?
The
design of the campus has to provide physical connectedness and good
sightlines, especially from Byres Road, University Avenue, and Dumbarton
Road. This could be established by walking routes, avenues of trees,
public grassland and seating with cafe facilities available. Public art
installations and good quality signage can enhance public perception.
Community
use of the facilities is key to promoting a welcoming space. Full
genuine public engagement through the design process can support this
sense of openness.
View of the University from the River Kelvin.
3) Is the open space in and around the campus
important to your experience? What are the qualities and character that
enhance your experience of the campus?
The open space and a green
landscape must be an integral part of the design. There is recent
research which indicates that walking among trees, flowers and engaging
with the earth is very important for well being. Gardens engender a
feeling of care and awareness that hard landscaping does not. An
understanding of how the natural world functions is becoming a important
research topic in the arts, sciences and medical field. A rich, diverse
landscape on campus would contribute to health and creativity,
providing areas for people to meet informally or just relax.As well as
formal spaces and quiet sitting areas, there should be small garden
corners for wildlife, wildflowers and biodiversity which the students
can work with the staff to learn about the natural world.
An
allotment with minimum of 25 community plots would bring together people
from different backgrounds in a common purpose and help to strengthen
the ties and understanding between the local people and the University.
There is currently a lack of allotments in Hillhead and this use of the
space would meet a key community demand.
4) How should the University be connected with other parts of Glasgow and other University campus?
The
environment sustainability agenda and climate change targets require a
dramatic reduction on CO2 in the next 10 years. The campus has to
promote integrated travel using walking, cycling, and public transport
to get around. Car use has to be discouraged to tackle air pollution and
reduce the carbon footprint. The campus can promote use of subway stations
and main rail connection at Partick as the preferred options. Other parts of
Glasgow are most quickly reached by subway and train. University Avenue
could prioritise pedestrians with single roadway for taxi and bus access
only through this route. This can ensure a modal shift away from the
car. It will ensure increased personal safety, lessen risk of accidents,
reduce noise levels and promote accessibility using modes which are
healthier and more energy efficient.
5) What in your view is the
one thing we should do to make sure that we leave as great a legacy as
the previous strategic move in 1870?
The campus has to promote a
holistic view of health and wellbeing, celebrate the talents of women
and more disadvantaged groups, ensure peace and harmony in the world, and
encourage resourcefulness. It has to support engagement of families as
well as older learners. Women and children's safety issues have to be
paramount and focus has to be on a legacy that prioritises their
interests. The campus has to have a legacy which ensures a more equal
and just society, moving on from a world of ivory towers which
dominated in the 1870s.
6) What campus or estate issues are important to you?
- Safe cycling and walking routes with cycle racks, showers and lockers.
- Energy efficient heating from renewable sources and well maintained street lighting.
- Composting,
recycling and litter bins. Good quality greenspace including wildlife
garden, orchards of fruit trees, allotments, raised planters and
avenues of trees.
- Good quality toilets and cafe facilities. A good stationery shop and exhibition space.
- Heritage features are retained and cared for.
- Mackintosh house and furniture plus artworks are publicly available and well maintained.
- Accessible pharmacy, GP and advice clinic.
- Support
provided for music, fairs and charity events within the campus. Student
meeting spaces for campaigning, debating and sharing interests
including sports, political protest and demonstrations.
- Staff meeting spaces with access to advice services.
I look forward to contributing to further discussions as the vision and plans for the site take shape in the year ahead.
