Edinburgh Futures Institute

The Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) breathes new life into the former Royal Infirmary, transforming a long-derelict landmark into a dynamic hub for research, learning, and collaboration. The Category A-listed Victorian hospital, in a state of severe disrepair when the University acquired it in 2015, has been meticulously restored and reimagined. Unsympathetic extensions were removed, extensive dry rot repaired, and key architectural features brought back to their former glory, seamlessly integrating new spaces alongside the historic hospital wards and corridors.
Located at the heart of the Quartermile development, the EFI has been significantly restored, extended, and upgraded to house a diverse range of publicly accessible workspaces, teaching and learning facilities, event spaces, and a café/restaurant. These are connected through generous circulation routes and dynamic spatial volumes, enhancing movement and interaction throughout the building.
A new public square on Lauriston Place provides a striking entrance and a flexible space for pop-up events. The site's natural slope enabled the creation of a major 450-seat event space beneath the square, featuring level access from the south. Flanking this two-storey auditorium, light boxes introduce natural daylight, ensuring a bright and inviting environment.
The EFI is a landmark initiative, designed to establish a world-class interdisciplinary research and teaching institute that fosters collaboration across diverse fields, including social and data sciences, the arts, humanities, and sciences. By integrating commercial business partners and opening its doors to the wider Edinburgh community, the project reinstates a much-loved local landmark as an inclusive and innovative space.
The brief called for a state-of-the-art facility that supports agile and innovative working. The design applies modern workplace principles to both commercial and academic spaces, ensuring flexibility, encouraging collaboration, and adapting to future ways of working. High-quality conference facilities were also incorporated to host a wide variety of events.
Delivering this transformation was not without its challenges. The building’s deteriorated condition, complex planning approvals, and the disruptions of Covid-19 and the Ukraine war all presented significant hurdles. A key breakthrough was the removal of the Grade B-listed gatehouse, which had previously obstructed access. This crucial move unlocked the scheme, enabling the creation of the new public square and event space.
Despite these challenges, the team successfully restored and reintegrated the building with the city, ensuring that the Edinburgh Futures Institute is not only a centre of excellence but also a welcoming and inspiring destination for all.