Edinburgh College of Art Evolution Link

As Project Associate with Morgan McDonnell Architecture, Ross Ellis Stewart contributed to the development of proposals for a new building on the Edinburgh College of Art Lauriston Campus, commissioned by the University of Edinburgh. This project was part of a broader masterplan created in collaboration with Hawkins Brown Architects, designed to enhance the campus and provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA).

Connecting Historic and Modern Architecture

The new building was strategically positioned atop the existing workshop structure, creating a vital connection between Evolution House and the historic Edinburgh College of Art Main Building. The design incorporated:

• A new internal court, acting as a central hub to unify the campus.

• Studios, a gallery space, a black box film studio, and academic offices distributed across five levels.

  
  

Harmonizing Heritage and Contemporary Design

The building’s Cor-Ten steel facades were chosen to complement the red sandstone of the Main Building, creating a dialogue between old and new architecture. This approach reinforced the campus’s architectural identity while supporting its academic mission.

Advancing Creative Education

Designed to serve ESALA’s diverse needs, the project demonstrates how thoughtful campus expansions can enhance functionality, foster collaboration, and respect heritage.