Royal Observatory Edinburgh: Scottish Astronomy Centre

Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Photo, Architect, Scottish Building, Image

Royal Observatory Edinburgh

Astronomy Technology Centre – design by Bennetts Associates, Scotland

Astronomy Technology Centre Edinburgh

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.

Edinburgh Astronomy Centre
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates

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.

Blackford Hill Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Edinburgh: image from Bennetts Associates

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.

Edinburgh Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory 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 Sep 2004

Royal Observatory Edinburgh : Building information from Bennetts Associates

Royal Observatory Edinburgh architects : Bennetts Associates

Royal Museum of Scotland
Museum of Scotland photograph
photograph © Adrian Welch

Edinburgh Walking Tours

Other Edinburgh buildings by Bennetts Associates

Alexander Graham Bell House
Alexander Graham Bell House
photograph © Keith Hunter

Potterrow Edinburgh
Potterrow Edinburgh
picture © Keith Hunter

Bennetts Associates’ Lomond Shores building

Edinburgh Property

Comments / photos for the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Architecture page welcome

Royal Observatory Edinburgh Building : page

Website: www.roe.ac.uk