October 24 2019

The University of Edinburgh has filed plans to expand an architectural lighting scheme for the A-listed Old College Building at South Bridge.

Proposals prepared by Consarc Design Group and KSLD, EFLA Lighting Design call for a mix of wall-mounted and suspended LED luminaires to be added to the façade to highlight the central dome and two flanking wings with custom lighting.

This follows extensive conservation work to the exterior of the 1827 landmark including cleaning stonework obscured by years of dirt, pollution and algae.

In a summary of this work conservation architect, Dawson Stelfox of Consarc Design wrote: “Cleaning of historic stone buildings is potentially controversial and fraught with difficulties. The 'patina' or authentic ageing of a building is quite often a key part of its character and great damage can be done by over-zealous cleaning. On the other hand, a build-up of dirt and biological growth can hold moisture and accelerate decay and dirty buildings tend to get further neglected leading to their long-term decline.”

The OId College is currently home to university administration, the Talbot Rice Gallery and the School of Law, the latter of which recently underwent extensive refurbishment by LDN Architects.

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