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Friday 18 May 2012
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Queen’s Road Buildings: A New Way In and A New Way Between
The Queen’s Road buildings represent the most visible aspect of the School’s heritage. 23 Queen’s Road was designed by the architectural firm of Matthews & Mackenzie in 1879 and 19 Queen’s Road was constructed a year later. James Matthews was a significant architect, local councilor and former Lord Provost of Aberdeen (1883-1886) who played a key role in Aberdeen’s development in the late Victorian era.
While the frontage to his category B listed buildings and many of its internal features have been left intact, over the course of time haphazard links have been created that have blurred the separation between the buildings. As part of the new development, new glazed features will replace the existing linkages that have evolved between 17 & 19 and 19 & 21 Queen’s Road.
These contemporary structural glazing features will serve to visually restore the separation between the Victorian buildings, thus serving to reinforce the symmetry of the original villas. Circulation spaces will be enhanced to improve accessibility throughout the School and provide a more aesthetically pleasing and contemporary appearance to the frontage of the School onto Queen’s Road.
Between 21 and 23 Queen’s Road a new front entrance will be created to present a light and welcoming way into the School. The existing glazed frontage and roof will be removed and replaced with a two storey structural glass screen. Combined with a new reception area and close to the administrative and admissions offices, this area is designed to offer a large and welcoming area for pupils, and visitors to the School.
A new platform lift will provide an additional means of access, while a feature staircase will lead up to a gallery in front to the main school hall and will also lead off into the first floor of 21 and 23 Queen’s Road. The gallery will offer an environment to gather before and after events in the Hall while itself drawing in natural light and picturesque views.
Noble life demands a noble architecture for noble uses of noble men.
Frank Lloyd Wright
US architect (1869 – 1959)
