Edinburgh Law School

The Law School occupies the entire northern half of Old College, Robert Adam’s masterwork in Edinburgh. This quadrangle building, completed by William Playfair, provided all the University’s accommodation until it expanded into larger and more specialised buildings in the late 19th century. The northern part of the building had become confusing to navigate and was in a poor condition.

LDN Architects has recently completed a major refurbishment of this Category A Listed building to provide contemporary teaching spaces, offices and support services accommodation. The building has been altered to provide level access across all floors from a new circulation core. A new café and social space has also been provided.

A new Law Library was designed on three levels with the introduction of a mezzanine level. Historic plan forms were restored and interior details revealed. A new octagonal book stack has been derived from the geometry of the octagonal lecture theatre above.

The external fabric works include the upgrading of existing roofs with modifications to existing dormers and a new dormer to Chambers Street. Existing rooflights were upgraded and roofs finished with new leadwork and reinstated slates.

Mechanical and electrical installations have been renewed integrated with the Historic building fabric.