One of the most distinctive features of the £50 million new art school building in Glasgow is being tested and built at Sir Robert McAlpine's plant yard near Coatbridge.

The "driven voids of light" are a key design feature of the building which will sit atop Garnethill, designed by the American Steven Holl Architects in partnership with JM Architects of Glasgow.

The building will be lit internally by the shafts which will send natural light down through the building. As well as studio space, it will contain the Centre for Advanced Textiles, digital media spaces, a lecture theatre and exhibition space.

It will face a Grade A listed building in Renfrew Street, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.