Back in August of 2020, we were left gobsmacked by a Glasgow architecture graduate's novel solution to solve the city's well-known transport problems - via an incredible 'Sky Line' cable car which would operate across the city.
The proposal was designed by Caragh Mccallum, a Masters of Advanced Architectural Design graduate from Strathclyde Uni, and featured in a 2020 Architecture Fringe event - which supports new work and emerging practice in architecture in Scotland.
The aim of the proposal, entitled 'Glasgow's Transport Revolution: Reconnecting A City', was to regenerate and connect Glasgow's 'failing' transport network to primarily form a link to connect areas within the city centre, while providing a sustainable alternative to harmful road transport.
The proposal encouraged the creation of a building network, built around the perimeter boundary of Glasgow city centre, with a centralised intermodal transport hub building facilitating the city's population and removing automobility from the direct city centre within the boundary.
It would do so via the 'Sky Line', which would connect to several strategically placed ‘Gateway’ buildings in the city that would serve as initial sub-hubs, providing for vehicle drop off points for car users and connecting with a central main terminus on the site of Buchanan Street Station.
The cable car system would provide for a circle line inspired by Glasgow’s famous subway and feature specially designed ‘pylons’ to create a new form of transport in Glasgow - one inspired by the Finnieston Crane and the Titan Crane in Clydebank - and include the additional benefit of allowing Glaswegians to view the city from an altogether different perspective from above.
Speaking about what inspired the proposal at the time, Caragh told Glasgow Live: "My inspiration was drawn from the history of Glasgow’s transport network and more specifically its innovative tram system.
"After completing my Dissertation in 4th year on Railway Architecture in Scotland I found a love for all things transport and so research into the field was a priority for me. I found that the trams were such an important lifeline for the communities of Glasgow inside and outside its city centre.
"I found that the trams expanded well beyond the city centre and, unlike trains, could run in any type of inclement weather. I realised that Glasgow hasn’t had any form of sustainable, efficient or reliable transport system since their demise. I studied Glasgow’s transport system through its public transport, private travel (cars) and its active travel and found issues within all aspects. I then used this study, as well as my personal experiences to create response posters in relation to this."
The proposal includes for a primary and secondary 'Sky Line' system, with the secondary system extending beyond the city centre to reach more touristic areas such as the Necropolis, Park Circus, the SSE Hydro, Riverside Museum and Glasgow Green.
Judging by the designs of how it would look, we sure would love to see it become a reality!
And we could only imagine how popular it would be among residents and visitors alike!
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