The Sky's the Limit

Opposite where I work a remarkable construction project is well under way in the Merchant City in what has been a gap site for many years. Normally I wouldn't find building sites inspirational, but the way this location is being transformed has caught my imagination. Today a couple of massive cranes were in action sweeping back and forth across the sky.

I tried out several angles, but I liked this perspective northwards from High Street. I have pinched the image to make the cranes look as if they are doing a kind of 'Highland Fling'! And this also gives the buildings a definite leaning 'Tower of Pisa' look. Add to this a poster edged filter and you have cartoon-type impression of the changing city.

The key landmark building is being designed on low carbon principles with a central atrium which will allow natural light to flood all ten levels. It will be known as the TIC - the Technology and Innovation Centre. There, hi-tec businesses and researchers will work together in a building with the equivalent floor space of around 100 tennis courts.

The building in the photo with all the windows is the Livingstone Tower. It was one of the earliest high-rise commercial buildings to go up in Glasgow(c1964) and is visible from afar with its high position on the drumlin of Rottenrow. It is scheduled to come down in a few years. I never thought the transformation of this area would bring so many photo opportunities.