Glasgow’s OVO Hydro opened in September 2013, with the modern domed building having a capacity of over 14,000 people.
Despite the contemporary design, the Hydro bears an uncanny resemblance to plans for a concert hall done by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1898. The plans were submitted to a competition held to design a concert hall for the Glasgow International Exhibition of 1901, though were rejected due to an ‘engineering improbability’.
As part of the Mackintosh 150 events, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Scottish artist, models of Mackintosh’s unbuilt structures were produced by modelmaker Brian Gallagher. The concert hall plans included twelve cast-iron trusses, with a roof span of about fifty-five metres - an extreme challenge for the early 1900s.
Fast-forward to 2013, and Glasgow’s flagship arena isn’t worlds away from Mackintosh’s design. Architectural firm Foster and Partners, who were behind the Hydro, said this was pure chance.
They told the Daily Record: “Any similarity is a happy coincidence, although it is flattering to be compared to Mackintosh.
“We took inspiration from circular forms like the Albert Hall and Roman amphitheatres for their ability to immerse audiences in the experience.”
Mackintosh’s domed concert hall was one of two designs submitted for the International Exhibition, with the first far more conventional. Resembling a church-like structure, with more ornate and traditional features - it was also rejected.
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At the same time, the architect submitted plans for a Grand Hall for the Exhibition as well as designs for a bar and dining room - none of which made the cut. Almost 20 years before this Mackintosh entered a gothic style plan for Glasgow’s railway terminus, which never came to fruition.
It was 100 years later than planning for The Hydro would begin, with the redevelopment of the Queen’s Dock. Despite a fire caused by welding work, the arena was opened on September 30 2013 with a concert by Rod Stewart.
Thankfully, the architecture of Mackintosh can be found across the city today. In Bellahouston Park, the House for an Art Lover is open to the public - a design which was originally made in 1901, though wasn’t completed until 1996.
