The McEwan Hall

The McEwan Hall is Edinburgh University’s Graduation Hall and principal ceremonial space. New students attend introductory lectures there during fresher’s week and leaving students graduate from it.

The Hall was, however, in need of a major overhaul as its facilities did not meet contemporary expectations. LDN were, therefore, appointed by the University of Edinburgh to develop proposals that dramatically enhance the capability of the A Listed McEwan Hall to fulfil its role at the heart of University life and provide a new income stream through rental for music events and conferences.

The extraordinarily impressive auditorium has been restored and building services have been upgraded throughout the building, all sensitively integrated with the listed interiors.

New support accommodation has been created under Bristo Square around the perimeter of the building and the square itself has been upgraded. A new free-standing entrance pavilion has also been formed in the square to provide universal access to the building for the first time.

The proposals have received detailed scrutiny from statutory bodies and architectural heritage groups and LDN worked hard to build consensus and support throughout the project.