7.12 The image of the City is influenced not only by its buildings but the public spaces between them. It has been recognised that the quality and appearance of the City’s buildings has not always been matched by the quality of the public spaces within which they are set. Within the City Centre, the Council has embarked on an ambitious Public Realm Strategy aimed at raising the standard of the external spaces up to, and beyond, that of the City’s national and international competitors. While, to date, this activity has generally been confined to the City Centre, the Council will be examining ways in which the approach can be applied to other parts of the City.

Public Art - Former Cattle Market

7.13 Public art is inextricably linked to Glasgow’s built heritage and its rich tradition of sculptural decoration of buildings, stained glass and free-standing sculptures in civic parks and squares. Public art, successfully integrated into the design of buildings and spaces, can contribute to a sense of place and stimulate the imagination and interest. Within the public realm it can express civic pride and social, cultural, and economic confidence. Decorating the streets, squares and buildings with well designed flags and banners also helps enliven the City and can inform visitors by announcing special events and marking key venues and approaches.

7.14 Lighting also has an important role to play in defining the character of streets, spaces and buildings. Listed buildings in the City have been celebrated through floodlighting to great effect for a number of years. It is recognised that lighting streets and spaces can also animate and improve the night-time scene, improve ambience and safety and project a sense of arrival. Buchanan Street is an example of how lighting has been used to unify the City’s premier shopping thoroughfare, enhancing its character and increasing interest and vitality at night. The development of strategies to address these three elements of the City (Public Art, Dressing the City and Lighting) will provide a context for the implementation of innovative approaches to creating a truly distinctive character for Glasgow.

The City Council, in association with relevant agencies and organisations, will prepare strategies for Public Art, Dressing the City and Lighting.

Buchanan Street