Untapping an unused space and transforming it into an inspriring interior

In the middle of Glasgow Harbour is the Clyde Campus is realised. The centerpiece of the Cyde Campus is the former machine room Innovation Dock, a succession of large-scale monumental industrial halls. Because of the gigantic size of these industrial buildings, there was the risk that large quantities of space were left unused. The Innovation Dock consists of two parts: a school area where the Clydesdale University and the University of Stirling have their premises and partly a workspaces for private companies. Amos Beech Interior Designers have launched the idea of an 8m high floor suspended from the top and sides of the building. This second floor gives the Hall in theory almost double its surface without the use of more land.

Photo credits: Vincent Hartman

Interior design and space planning

Within the suspended floor there is a space available of 11,500 square meters for small-scale and innovative companies, as well as start-ups, operating in the markets ‘construction, transport and energy’. This extra layer creates the possibility to provide the space requirement to support the activities for the production floor, such as office space, research and education functions. Within this architectural and installation framework several control functions are housed in a flexible way. So in a relatively simple way the function changes of the space can be realised. The plug-in system can be compressed and is both expandable.

The idea of the urban shelving unit is created by the disused runways, which have proven their lifting power in an earlier life. The over-engineerd construction has ample overcapacity and is used to suspend the new features. The first unit, the mezzanine, with a floor surface of 1000 m2 has access from the outside by elevator and staircase. A system of walkways run to and from the units. A great job excecuted by the office fit out team from Amos Beech.

Beams were placed between the crane girders to which the units are suspended. These are made of a steel structure with a light and flexible interpretation. With respect to the industrial heritage and steel construction, incisions are made to the structure for optimal transparency. The ceiling on the underside of the floor is equipped with a print, which displays the entire port of Glasgow.