Glasgow School of Art (GSA) has announced the names of five architecture firms shortlisted to lead the restoration of its fire-damaged Mackintosh building.
Companies in the running for the GSA contract are Avanti Architects, John McAslan + Partners, LDN Architects LLP, Page Park Architects and Purcell, and their portfolios include historical buildings in the UK, Haiti and Hong Kong.
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GSA Mackintosh restoration project director Liz Davidson said: "All of the shortlisted practices have a strong record in undertaking major restoration and work in historic buildings together with an impressive commitment to the use of new technology and the finest craftsmanship.
"They each bring the level of experience and expertise that is vital to the restoration of Mackintosh’s masterpiece. We are now looking forward to hearing more about their proposed approaches."
For the next stage, the firms will present detailed proposals on their approach to the restoration of the A-listed Mackintosh building as a fully functioning architecture, art and design school.
Presentations are expected to take place in mid-March, with the appointment to be made later in the month.
On 23 May, the Mackintosh building was badly damaged in a fire, which was caused by flammable gases from a canister of expanding foam, according to an investigation by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The gases ignited when they came into contact with the hot surface of a projector in Studio 19, the BBC reported.
GSA aims to raise £20m towards the cost of restoration of the damaged building.
Image: The Mackintosh building. Photo: courtesy of The Glasgow School of Art.
