The Burrell Collection

The Burrell Collection is a purpose built pavilion set in Scottish parkland, not far from Glasgow's city centre. The surrounding foliage is incorporated into the design, which allows dappled light to filter through the glazing along the north wall while the shading from the trees prevents too much solar gain.

The organisation of the museum in plan allows visitors to either negotiate the exhibitions by following a circular peripheral route or alternatively to criss-cross the museum down the narrow galleries. Areas have been specifically designed to best display the art within them. Brightly sky-lit spaces, for example, are appropriate for displaying Oriental pieces, whilst hollowed walls are suitable for showcasing smaller works.

The collection of medieval stone doors and windows have been integrated into the fabric of the building, a prerequisite to the design specified early on in the project.

The predominant materials are sandstone, stainless steel and glass. Tubular steel columns support the timber and steel roof trusses, and the walls are comprised of sandstone blockwork. Floors are mainly stone, with some areas of timber or carpet, and over the museum spans a laminated timber and boarded roof.