Edo House, Govan
A site specific art installation in Govan, by Edo Architecture. Dealing with themes of memory, reconciliation, attachment to place, and cultural values, the house was illuminated on the 5th November 2012, marking 100 years to the day that Govan was subsumed into the city of Glasgow. Affectionately known as ‘The Ghost of Water Row’ The illuminating event celebrated local initiatives, stories, and aspirations for the future, coincinding with a wealth of creative activity and community celebration. The structure takes its form from the traditional cottages that lined the route of Water Row, once a small lane of cottages and inns, lying in the heart of Govan leading down to the edge of the Clyde to an ancient strategic crossing point. Dresssed internally with a cotton lace material, the pattern ‘Guirlandes’ originates from the weaving industry in Govan from an era before shipbuilding dominance came to the area. The honest, expressive structure carefully assembled of Pale Spruce has been described recently by judges of the RIAS design prize as being a “powerful evocation of local history while also signalling a creative future.” A further illumination of the Ghost of Water Row occurred in the magnificent setting of Govan Old Church in February as part of the Weaving Truth With Trust event. It’s great news for Edo Architecture and everyone involved in this project and the surrounding community that this has won an architecture prize at the 2013 RIAS awards. The project will now also be shortlisted amongst 12 entries for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award announced in November 2013.