LDN were appointed by the University of Edinburgh to develop proposals that will dramatically enhance the capability of the McEwan Hall to fulfil its role at the heart of University life. The McEwan Hall is a threshold to arriving students who attend welcome lectures during fresher’s week and to leaving students who graduate from here. Indeed, the primary purpose of the McEwan Hall will be to continue in use as the Universities principal ceremonial space.
The McEwan Hall has been described as ‘a magnificent, petrified blancmange’. Its ornate Romanesque exterior hints at the fantastically rich, frescoed interior, which is to be upgraded to provide conferencing facilities and back of house support accommodation. Building services will be upgraded with new heating, ventilation and lighting installations all sensitively integrated with the listed interior. One of the project’s key aims is to provide universal access to all parts, including the second floor gallery which has been out of use for several years. It is intended that the McEwan Hall will become the venue of choice, in Edinburgh, for lectures and public talks whilst still providing a much loved home for Edinburgh Festival events and organ recitals.