Light touch for the Lighthouse

Spanish designer Javier Mariscal has built on local references for the identity of Glasgow’s prestigious 11m Lighthouse project.

The building, which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1893, is on a corner site off Buchanan Street. It is being converted by local architect Page & Park into a centre to promote excellence in architecture and design.

Working with Glasgow designer Sam Booth of LWD, Mariscal has used the idea of the corner site, set within the Glasgow street grid, to create an abstract identity. Vibrant colours denote different sections within the building, which will include gallery and seminar spaces and a restaurant.

Mariscal’s interiors scheme for the Lighthouse, again created with LWD, is also about to be unveiled.

According to Deyan Sudjic, director of Glasgow 1999 which commissioned the project, ‘we needed someone who could give an identity to the building and make the interiors come alive’.

Comparing the Scottish city to Mariscal’s home town of Barcelona, Sudjic adds: ‘Mariscal has a perfect sense of fun. His light touch, spirit of colour and liveliness is especially effective in a city like Glasgow. His work is strong, direct, but not too serious.’

Designers: Estudio Mariscal with LWD

Architect: Page & Park

Client: Glasgow 1999