Speaking to The Herald, Alan Dunlop believes that the school should instead open up an international competition to find an innovative modern architect who can build a new library.

A new facility, he believes, can be built in the space where the former Mackintosh Library stood in the west wing of the building.

The library, and most of its contents, was destroyed in the May fire.

Professor Dunlop, who with Gordon Murray designed the copper-clad Radisson Hotel on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, and the steelclad Spectrum Building in the city’s Blythswood Street, said: “There is a debate going on about what should be done and I am worried at the moment – I think rebuilding it would just be just a replica of Mackintosh, and I am sure you could do it, but the best thing would to have a new idea, something new which is worthy of the Mackintosh building.

“I don’t think it would be what Mackintosh would do.”

Earlier this year, David Mullane, a former director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, who chairs the Friends Of The GSA organisation, said he believed a rebuilt version of library could be an “embarrassment” and a prime example of “Mockintosh”.

Professor Dunlop, who does not himself want to design a new library, said that the former library had essentially become a museum, not a viable working room for students and staff. He said he was worried the debate was leaning towards replicating the Mackintosh Library as it once was.

“I know people will be naturally wary of this, but if we get the right architect it can be done thoughtfully,” he added.

“But I do think it is time to really debate the question of what will be done with the space.”

A spokeswoman for the GSA said: “We will be listening to a wide range of views before making a final decision.”