Jack Kilby Centre, Napier University Buildings

Napier University, Jack Kilby Centre Edinburgh, Richard Murphy Architect, Photo

Jack Kilby Centre – Napier Edinburgh

The Jack Kilby Centre, Napier University, Merchiston, Edinburgh design by Richard Murphy Architects

The Jack Kilby Centre, Napier University, Merchiston

Dates built: 1999-2001

Richard Murphy Architects

Richard Murphy Architects Napier University
Napier University, Merchiston: images by Richard Murphy Architects & Adrian Welch

Napier University Edinburgh

This project for Napier University involving a new Computer Centre (& Engineering Laboratory Refurbishment) was completed in Summer 2001. The Client required provision of a 24-hour access computer centre within its existing campus buildings at Merchiston. This project with no real external facade centralises 500 workstations and provides support space together with ancillary accommodation.

The new centre is intrinsically linked to the existing university buildings which surround it, although a separate entrance gives both open access to students 24 hours a day and provides a separate visually-identifiable presence. Richard Murphy Architects elected to subdivide into a matrix of 5 x 4 bays defined laterally by five parallel barrel vaults and longitudinally by a stepped ‘hillside’ of four terraces. A tartan grid of circulation weaves its way between, under valley gutters in one direction and vaults of light in the other.

Napier University, Edinburgh Jack Kilby Centre
Napier University, Merchiston: images by Richard Murphy Architects

The whole is supported on clusters of columns and the entire composition is surrounded by light from hidden perimeter roof lights where there are also ramped access routes. The vaults themselves are lit from the sides by sunlight reflected upwards so that sunlight doesn’t fall onto computer screens. Placed centrally within the matrix is the main support desk, providing them with both a commanding overall view of the facility and also of the main entrances.

Napier University Jack Kilby Centre
Napier University, Merchiston: images by Adrian Welch

Jack Kilby Centre – approximate build cost: £5.3m

<Craiglockhart Campus, Napier University

Craighouse Campus, Napier University

Richard Murphy

Scottish Capital Richard Murphy Building Designs

Contemporary Scottish Capital Richard Murphy Property Designs – recent architectural selection below:

Richard Murphy: some of the Edinburgh Buildings featured on this site:

Fruitmarket Gallery

Moray Place

Oloroso Edinburgh

No larger images, apologies:
Jack Kilby Centre Jack Kilby Centre
Napier University, Merchiston: images by Richard Murphy Architects

Richard Murphy: some of the Scottish Buildings featured on this site:

Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA)

Stirling Tolbooth

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh

Jack Kilby Computer Centre, Napier University, was one of eight buildings in Scotland winning RIBA Awards in 2003

Scottish Capital Building Designs

Scottish Capital Property Designs – recent architectural selection below:

Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Project
Greendykes net zero affordable housing
image courtesy of EHDP
Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Project

Rowanbank Gardens Edinburgh Property
Rowanbank Gardens Double Height Apartment interior
image courtesy of Artisan Real Estate
Rowanbank Gardens Edinburgh Housing

Comments / photos for the Napier University Computer Centre Edinburgh Architecture design by Richard Murphy Architects page welcome