Ghost of Water Row

The Ghost of Water Row was initiated to mark the centenary of Govan joining Glasgow and reconnect the community with its historic relationship to the River Clyde.

Blurring the boundary between architecture, research, and site-specific art, the project aimed to make a lost part of Govan visible again while creating space for people to reflect on the area’s past, changing identity, and future.

Location
Govan, Glasgow

Key Facts
• Existed for two nights
• Community installation
• Built by volunteers

Selected Awards
• Doolan Best Building in Scotland – Finalist
• RIAS Award for Architecture

Further info →

SITE CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS

The buildings and historic route to the river had disappeared, leaving little physical evidence of Water Row’s former character. The challenge was to connect the community with this lost place without attempting a literal reconstruction.

Designed as a temporary structure for a single night, the installation appeared after dark, and was to disappear by daylight. The installation was delivered through a collaborative community process.

OUR APPROACH

Historical research informed a distilled form based on four buildings that occupied Water Row between 1700 and 1912, including the Ferry Inn and weavers’ cottages.

Pale Scottish spruce created the frame, while cotton lace referenced Govan’s weaving heritage and historic trade along the Clyde.

We worked directly with the community, with volunteers and community members helping to self-build the pavilion. A lantern procession, film, and related events expanded the project beyond the structure itself, creating a shared journey along the ancient route to the river.

RESULT AND IMPACT

On 5 November 2012, the Ghost of Water Row stood for one night on the footprint of the former buildings. Around 100 people joined a lantern procession from Govan Old Church, following George Wyllie’s question-mark sculpture to the pavilion.

The project transformed local history into a collective experience, encouraging conversation about Govan’s heritage, identity, and evolving built environment while demonstrating how architecture can bring a community together.

“I suspect we have just witnessed the controversial award of the night. As I understand it this project was initiated by the architects and has helped unite its community. In my view that’s one of the things architects are uniquely placed to do. I suspect that is what prompted the judges to recognise this extraordinary project.”

Ghost of Water Row