NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND – ENTRANCE REDEVELOPMENT

Project: National Library of Scotland – Entrance Redevelopment
Client: National Library of Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
Value: Circa £2m
Listing: Grade A
Date Competition: 1998

The existing National Library building on George IV Bridge started on site in 1938, interrupted by the Second World War, and completed in 1956. The original architect was Reginald Fairlie and the architectural sculptor was Hew Lorimer. It houses, like the British Library, a copy of every book ever published in the UK. Many of these are housed in the lower levels of the building which drop down to the Cowgate, adjacent to the Supreme Courts.

In 1998 Michael prepared the design concept and led a successful team that won a design competition for the redevelopment of the Main Entrance to the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. This design proposal also formed part of a major Lottery Application which was aimed modernising and revitalising a dated entrance foyer. The proposal to open the existing false arches, creating a new café and exhibition space was ultimately successful and subject to a few changes was complete in 2006 based on this winning concept from 1998.