Royal Observatory Edinburgh Blackford Hill, Scottish Astronomy Technology Centre Photo, Architect, Building Image

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Building

Astronomy Technology Centre design by Bennetts Associates, Scotland, on Blackford Hill.

post updated 20 April 2024

Royal Observatory, Edinburgh

Address: Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ

Phone: 0131 668 8100

Architects: Bennetts Associates

New laboratory, office and lecture theatre facilities at the Grade A listed Royal Observatory.

Royal Observatory Edinburgh image from Bennetts Associates

Astronomy Technology Centre Edinburgh

The Astronomy Technology Centre designs and manufactures state of the art astronomical instruments for use in Observatories in Chile and Hawaii.
On an outstanding position at the top of Blackford Hill in Edinburgh, the new buildings will be used by the Astronomy Technology Centre and the University of Edinburgh. As the site was congested and suffered from reactive growth, an initial Masterplan Study was carried out to consider planned expansion.

Astronomy Technology Centre image from Bennetts Associates

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Masterplan Review

Following the Masterplan review it was agreed to defer the lecture theatre and proceed with an initial phase consisting of laboratories and offices. Planning consent was obtained in December 2002.

Apart from functionality, the guiding principle for the design of the new buildings was to maintain a low profile so that long distance views of the Royal Observatory were not compromised and the former house of the Astronomer Royal for Scotland was not dominated.

Astronomy Technology Centre Edinburgh image from Bennetts Associates

High quality materials such as natural stone and prepatinated zinc are commensurate with the colour and texture of the existing buildings.
Construction commenced in 2003 and practical completion achieved in September 2004.

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Building images / information from Bennetts Associates Architects, London

Royal Observatory Edinburgh architects : Bennetts Associates

Scottish Capital Building Designs

Contemporary Scottish Capital Property Designs – recent architectural selection below:

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Comments / photos for the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Architecture design by Bennetts Associates on Blackford Hill in southeast Scotland, United Kingdom, page welcome.

Website: www.roe.ac.uk