MRC advises arts charity NVA on Scottish modernist masterpiece

MRC is currently advising the Scottish arts charity NVA on its fascinating project to save St Peter’s Seminary at Cardross near Glasgow.

Designed by Gillespie, Kidd and Coia, it has been described by the international architecture conservation organisation, DOCOMOMO as ‘a modern building of world significance.’

It was abandoned in the 1980s and despite its category A listing is now in a ruinous state. However, NVA, who has a reputation for outstanding public art projects, plans to partially restore it, as well as, introducing artworks and artists to the site which includes 120 acres of ancient Kilmahew woodlands.

MRC are working with Avanti Architects and landscape architects, ERZ to develop the masterplan for the site and funding strategy.

NVA is much admired for creating original installations in challenging landscapes – like its temporary lighting animations on the mountains of Skye –and making intriguing spaces, such as the Hidden Gardens project in Glasgow.  It has represented Scotland at the Venice Biennale.

The charity takes its name from the Latin phrase nacionale vitae activa, ‘the right to influence public affairs.’ They use existing landscape as the starting point for uncovering complex, underlying realities, revealing how places shape and are shaped by their inhabitants.