Although our proposal grew out of a need identified in relation to the College’s outstanding Cast Collection, this proposal extends beyond that remit to a future that develops other potential forms of artistic activity. It is shortlisted in a bid to benefit from a philanthropic investment aimed specifically at a capital funded arts building in Edinburgh.

Our vision for the new building is to create a dynamic visual presence for the College on the street. The building will act as a new ‘front room’ and encourage wider access by the general public. The new gallery will enhance the status of the College as a creative institution of international standing., and make a positive contribute to the architectural setting of Lauriston Place.

The building comprises a new plinth (to overcome wheelchair access issues and provide an expansive sculpture terrace) combined with an elongated glazed pavilion adjacent to the Hunter Building. The pavilion provides daylight to a semi-submerged gallery below which can accommodate a changing programme of exhibitions. This new exhibition space will have full environmental control for the display of fragile drawings, rare books, paintings and other artefacts for major international exhibitions, The varied exhibition programme will showcase students’ work and the College’s own collection which includes important works by Bellany, Houston, McTaggart, Philipson and Peploe, etc. This collection is presently housed off-site inhibiting regular display and access by staff, students and the public.

The College’s main building (completed in 1911) stands on the north side of the garden quadrangle screened from the street by the Fire Service HQ and the College’s own Hunter Building. The Hunter Building is an imposing red sandstone structure (designed by Sir Anthony Wheeler) which echoes the nearby city wall, however, the empty space in front of the building has become an unattractive residual area used as a staff car park. This is aesthetically unattractive, and a long-standing source of complaint from City of Edinburgh Council, who have rightly encouraged the College to improve this important site (ever more important now that the Quartermile development is at an advanced stage).

The Hunter Building dates from 1974 and is not listed. Our proposal aims to construct a flexible, semi-submerged gallery and a new public face for the College. It would effectively break down the intimidating nature of the Hunter Building and create a formal landscaped court for public use (in lieu of the existing car park).

We are now working together with Morham + Brotchie (QS) and Buro Happold (Engineers) to develop the proposal which was recently granted planning permission with endorsement from the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust.

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Awards

Shortlisted for £3million arts funding prize for Edinburgh