Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Photo, Architect, Scottish Building, Image
Royal Observatory Edinburgh
Astronomy Technology Centre design by Bennetts Associates, Scotland
post updated 20 April 2024
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
Address: Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
Phone: 0131 668 8100
Architects: Bennetts Associates
New laboratory, office and lecture theatre facilities at the Grade A listed Royal Observatory.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh image from Bennetts Associates
Astronomy Technology Centre Edinburgh
The Astronomy Technology Centre designs and manufactures state of the art astronomical instruments for use in Observatories in Chile and Hawaii.
On an outstanding position at the top of Blackford Hill in Edinburgh, the new buildings will be used by the Astronomy Technology Centre and the University of Edinburgh. As the site was congested and suffered from reactive growth, an initial Masterplan Study was carried out to consider planned expansion.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates
Following the Masterplan review it was agreed to defer the lecture theatre and proceed with an initial phase consisting of laboratories and offices. Planning consent was obtained in December 2002. Apart from functionality, the guiding principle for the design of the new buildings was to maintain a low profile so that long distance views of the Royal Observatory were not compromised and the former house of the Astronomer Royal for Scotland was not dominated.
Royal Observatory Edinburgh image from Bennetts Associates
High quality materials such as natural stone and prepatinated zinc are commensurate with the colour and texture of the existing buildings.
Construction commenced in 2003 and practical completion achieved in Sep 2004
Royal Observatory Edinburgh : Building information from Bennetts Associates
Royal Observatory Edinburgh architects : Bennetts Associates
Scottish Capital Building Designs
Contemporary Scottish Capital Property Designs – recent architectural selection below:
Royal Museum of Scotland
photograph © Adrian Welch
Edinburgh buildings by Bennetts Associates
Other Edinburgh buildings by Bennetts Associates
Alexander Graham Bell House
photograph © Keith Hunter
Potterrow Edinburgh
picture © Keith Hunter
Bennetts Associates’ Lomond Shores building
Comments / photos for the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Architecture page welcome
Website: www.roe.ac.uk