Webinar Recordings

This event is a collaboration between SCUP and the University Design Forum.

Please join to hear about the aims of the University Design Forum which are similar to SCUP but also how to redesign a historical building into a modern learning environment.

The Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh is a major investment for one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Having purchased the City’s Old Royal Infirmary, the University embarked on a nine-year project to bring the dilapidated, but much loved, Grade A Listed building back to life as a centre for interdisciplinary teaching and research. After a short introduction to the building, this session will explore the project vision, realisation and lessons learnt along the way.

In this session, we will explore:

• A short history of the heritage asset
• Developing a vision for ‘radical interdisciplinarity’
• The challenges of turning vision into reality
• Lessons learned from the end result

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze governance structures and decision-making processes needed to navigate institutional uncertainty and change.
2. Apply peer-learning strategies to support integrated planning conversations.
3. Understand the challenges and opportunities in working with a heritage asset.

Presenters:

Eleanor Magennis, Director of Estates and Infrastructure and Deputy Chair of University Design Forum, Glasgow School of Art
Damien Toner, Director of Estates, The University of Edinburgh
James Nelmes, Director, Bennetts Associates
Trevor Wills, Chair, University Design Forum

Delivered May 5, 2026.