Edinburgh Futures Institute Interiors

The transformation of the former Royal Infirmary into the University of Edinburgh’s new interdisciplinary institute has created a unique interior landscape where the character of the Victorian hospital meets the openness of a contemporary learning environment.

The building’s long corridors, stone wards and vaulted ceilings have been reinterpreted as social streets and gathering places, encouraging informal encounters and a sense of belonging. Robust materials define the experience throughout: original stonework and brick arches are left exposed, new concrete columns and soffits express the structural rhythm, and carefully chosen finishes introduce warmth and texture without concealing the history beneath.

Colour plays an essential role in giving identity and orientation to the vast plan. The blue-grey of the main spine of the building sets a calm, consistent backdrop, while bold tones mark the junctions between wings, helping visitors navigate the building intuitively. At moments of transition, red doors and ceilings signal historic thresholds, creating a dialogue between old and new.

Light, volume and tactility shape the atmosphere. The interiors balance the dignity of the original architecture with a sense of openness and invitation, offering spaces that feel both grounded in heritage and ready for the future.