The Radisson SAS is within a once rundown area of the city which is now part of Glasgow’s new financial services district and an interesting response to an uninspiring context. The dominant feature is a 60 metre long sculptural wall, clad in pre-patinated copper. The wall accommodates the shift from the city’s Victorian grid edge on the north side, to the older street line to the south which stretches down to the river.A full height atrium sits between the wall and the main body of the hotel. At ground level the atrium is fully glazed onto the street and has a number of public functions, including a restaurant and bar. Glass lifts glide up and down the five storey atrium and guests cross a glass bridge to a suite of specialist rooms. Internally the sculptural wall is clad in timber to look like steel plate and reminiscent of the great ships that were once built nearby.The Radisson SAS has succeeded in bringing glamour and drama to Glasgow and evokes parallels some of the USA’s grandest hotels.
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