This is a creative solution to a very real problem. Whilst the architecture may not be to everyone's taste, I think it is a transient design that is perfectly suited to the function. It is great to read how so many of the local community have come together in support, and if the design offers safe, inclusive access for both users and employers, then what is not to like? If it necessitates the closure of but one road, then that is especially positive. More please - and if this is successful - then it could be a model to role out to other similar situations.

It's an idea that has already been executed in other European cities of similar size, albeit not the glasshouse idea. Here is a pedestrianised section in Milan, Italy (which has a very wet and cold climate during the winter months) where part of the street has been closed off to allow the bars and restaurants to spill out into the street

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@45.4729287,9.187414,2a,75y,172.1h,89.29t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1slYCkF1r0Ql1NcEAfEAFTQA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DlYCkF1r0Ql1NcEAfEAFTQA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D182.94995%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

Welcome but as ever we are so far behind best practice on the continent. For the past 40 years, Copenhagen has been actively giving roadspace back to people, for walking, cycling and spaces to enjoy.

So if there is a fire in the upper floor of the tenements how would the fire brigade fight it ?
How would repairs to the tenements be carried out ? How will all the services running down the road -gas mains, sewers, etc - be diverted and who pays for this ? (Last time I checked Scottish Gas would not allow you to build over a domestic supply pipe let alone a major gas main).

It sounds like an ill-thought out idea. The impracticalities outweigh any merits and I'm surprised an architect has put forward the idea. It ignores the requirements of other tenants and businesses and seems to skate over any issues such as fire and maintenance access. I'm pretty sure other businesses would object to the restriction of flow of traffic into the area too. The project effectively blocks off access at five points to side streets where people live and work. What seems to be a better opportunity is to explore back courtyards which most of these businesses have access to.

Simply does not work in several respects.
Methinks the architect pinched the idea from similar structures erected along Edinburgh's George Street which was successfully aimed at the tourist market.

You could make space by removing the majority of the parking and just having one lane of traffic heading west. Eastbound traffic can go along sauchiehall street (and down elderslie street if they need to reach finnieston street and the squinty bridge). That would give you all the space you need for outdoor tables and seating.

Would also make crossing the road on foot less of an utter pain in the arse than it is normally

The easier solution would be to pedestrianize the street, and the shopfronts to reinstate awnings to provide shelter or canopies similar to those found in sunnier climates.

It is crucial that basic building regs matters are addressed and solved from the outset before business owners are asked to pay fees for an “assembled” design team.

Looks like this might create more problems than it solves. Pedestrianising the block and or limiting times vehicles can flow through might be more realistic. Surfaces could be delineated on the ground for seating and leisure ... question is who's going to pay for this...?

Any time a scheme which involves closing off a section of road is proposed we always hear the same sob story about cars.

By far the majority of traffic through this area is on foot. Stop fussing about a relatively small number of people in cars having to go around the block. Change needs to happen, perhaps not this, but stop the fluffing of car use. Advanced cities around the world are moving away from cars in cities and we are getting anxious about a short section of tar.

Wake up folks.

The initial idea looks great but the practicalities of the scheme do not benefit the residents nor the ‘thoroughfare’.
I would suggest a more simple and achievable approach. Widen the pavements, instal sturdy canopies and outdoor gas heating (Paris style). This will allow each eaterie/cafe to extend their outdoor seating area despite the non sympathetic Scottish weather.

The crabshakk is tiny inside, with 2 meter social distancing between tables you could probably only fit 5 people inside, no wonder he is looking for ideas.

In would be expensive but could the maybe have the long glass house on a kind of overpass that goes over Argyll street at raised level. One problem with that is that you would then start blocking out light to nearby premises.

A nice idea at first glance but more of a fantasy that completely ignores residents. One large flaw is that pavements look like they would be more hemmed in than ever between existing buildings and this structure plonked in the middle of the road, going against the social distancing principle this is meant to enable?

The street itself is quite dark and shaded for a lot of the day with it being relatively narrow and consistently tall buildings for most of it's length so it isn't the nicest environment to sit out in. Merchant Square is a more successful incarnation of this in my opinion.