Many Glasgow shops feature non-structural façades, which enable the external appearance
of the shop to be easily modified. As commerce is driven by demand and competition, it is crucial that shops are able to adapt both their business and their image in order to keep up with a changing consumer landscape.
In some cases, the building’s façade dictates the appearance of the ground-floor unit, making it less flexible to change, but adding a sense of quality, unity and permanence to the urban composition. Sadly, these traditional street fronts are often spoiled by surrounding street ‘clutter’, such as modern railings and signage, which breaks up the street’s otherwise harmonious aesthetic (see Linen 1906, right bottom).
All images © Lilija Oblecova 2012.
