Glasgow - School of Art

Mackintosh's art academy (1876) is essential viewing for lovers of fine architecture. Completed in 1909, this Art Nouveau building confirmed the 28-year-old designer's reputation not just as a master of the exterior - while the grand west facade is dominated by three 65ft/20m high oriel windows, the smaller windows on the east front are reminiscent of Scottish castles - but also as a superb interior designer. Of special interest are the principal's room, one of the first of Mackintosh's "White Rooms", the so-called Mackintosh Room for meetings of the Academy of Art and the unique Library with gallery.