International Conference Centre, Edinburgh
1989-1995

The development of the Terry Farrell and Partners' masterplan proposals in 1989/90 led to the location of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre as a destination building at the crossing of Morrison Street and the West Approach Road. This prominent position at the heart of the emerging West End/Port Hamilton/Haymarket business district acts to draw people through the masterplan.

The distinctive drum-like form of the Conference Centre distinguishes the site and forms a set piece within the urban form. The architectural language of the solid masonry wall, the lofty and inviting entrance way, the rotunda rising forcefully and elegantly above the slated rooftops, and the great oversailing cornice testify to a new public monument. Reflecting the differing needs of those who work, visit and stay on the site, the scheme accommodates a mixture of uses, including office and conference facilities, retail space, leisure facilities and car parking, as well as integrating the existing Sheraton Hotel.

The Conference and Exhibition Centre design has been influenced by the shape of the site, the difference in levels between Morrison Street and the West Approach Road, and its role in the realisation of the masterplan. It establishes the setback and curve of the Morrison Street frontage and pedestrian access from Morrison Street.

The central "drum" of the Conference Centre has evolved from the circular plan of the revolving auditorium, which in turn led to the segmental plan of the breakout rooms. The two smaller auditoria revolve to connect with the main auditorium, each having the option of being self-contained. The main auditorium can be subdivided from a 1200-seat space to two 300-seat spaces and one 600-seat space, or one 900 and one 300- seat space. This represents an innovative means of providing seating options. The moving walls of the small auditoria echo the exterior architecture of the outside drum of the Conference Centre.

Within the Exchange district, extensive pedestrian and cycle routes form connections with streets beyond the site. Conference Square and Festival Square are linked by the crescent. In this way the Conference Centre is directly connected to the Sheraton Hotel and Usher Hall, as well as to the West End and the New Town via a new pedestrian bridge and Rutland Square. Internal spaces and the areas around buildings are regarded as equally important.

In keeping with the masterplan principles, the elevations are of a light buff/grey sandstone colour traditional in Edinburgh with a greater solid than void proportion. The four façades each have their own character and detail within an overall architectural concept. Small areas of contrasting stone and strong colour are used for maximum impact, which is enhanced by night time lighting.

A number of massing studies and the outline of the site influenced the shaping of the four lower corner pavilions, which, combined with the prominent roof edge feature, produces a building with both civic presence and the unique image required. The overall building design has a simple, strong architecture, which is appropriate both to Scotland and to the international prestige of the Conference Centre.