Edinburgh: A Unique Blend of History and Innovation

Exploring the Architecture and Design of Edinburgh's Art Center

The Edinburgh Art Center stands as a testament to the city's outstanding architecture. From the narrow closes of the medieval Old Town to the elegance of the Georgian New Town, the city's diverse architectural styles have influenced the design of this art center. Rising above it all is the majestic Edinburgh Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that adds to the grandeur of the city.

Ahmed Hany, the mastermind behind this project, drew inspiration from the recorded textures of the city and the changing levels of its contours. By mapping the city, Hany was able to create a design that seamlessly blends with the site, forming a harmonious connection between the art center and its surroundings.

The interior spaces of the Edinburgh Art Center reflect the natural beauty of the site, with an emphasis on bringing vegetation indoors. The entrance zone welcomes visitors with a lush greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The exhibition spaces, on the other hand, feature a unique concept of changing levels through the use of stairs, guiding visitors from one exhibition area to the next.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Hany employed software such as Grasshopper and Rhino for contouring the city and creating the mappings. 3ds Max was used for modeling the design, while the Vray engine was utilized for rendering, bringing the vision of the Edinburgh Art Center to life.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the art center occupies a site that measures approximately 93m x 25m, with a built-up area of 24m x 23m. The design had to be meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with the old heritage site, respecting the Scottish people's reverence for their history.

The Edinburgh Art Center project commenced in December 2016 and was completed in March 2017. Extensive research was conducted on the city and the garden, Dunbar's Close, including the textures recorded during field surveys. The study of the city's contours and the changing levels proved to be crucial in the design process.

One of the main challenges faced by Ahmed Hany was to deliver a design that was both innovative and respectful of the heritage site. The end result is a masterpiece that stands out while seamlessly blending with its surroundings, creating a space that is both functional and visually stunning.

The Edinburgh Art Center has been recognized for its exceptional design, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This award acknowledges the center's well-designed, practical, and innovative features that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Edinburgh Art Center contributes to a better world by integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive experiences for visitors.