King's Buildings

King's Buildings
Kim Traynor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	King's Buildings
Established	1920
Location	Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Campus type	Urban
Affiliations	University of Edinburgh

King's Buildings. It is the principal science and engineering campus of the University of Edinburgh, located in the Blackford area of the city. Established in the early 20th century, the campus has grown into a major international hub for scientific research and technological innovation. It houses numerous academic schools, cutting-edge research institutes, and collaborative facilities that drive advancements across multiple disciplines.

History

The development of the campus began in 1920 when the University of Edinburgh acquired land from the King's Park estate to address overcrowding at its historic Old College site. The first building, the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, was completed in 1922, marking the start of a dedicated science precinct. Expansion accelerated significantly after World War II, supported by national investments in science and technology. Key milestones include the establishment of the Institute of Animal Genetics and the relocation of the School of Chemistry from the City Centre. The campus was formally named King's Buildings in 1953 and has continually evolved, with major recent additions including the Easter Bush veterinary campus and the Bayes Centre for data science.

Campus and facilities

The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture set across a spacious, park-like environment. Central facilities include the James Clerk Maxwell Building, which houses the School of Physics and Astronomy, and the Joseph Black Building, home to the School of Chemistry. The site contains advanced research infrastructure such as the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, and the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre. Collaborative spaces are emphasized, with hubs like the Sanderson Building for engineering and the Michael Swann Building for biological sciences fostering interdisciplinary work. Student amenities, including the King's Buildings House community centre and the Potterrow sports complex, support campus life.

Academic and research focus

King's Buildings is central to the University of Edinburgh's strength in STEM fields. It is home to the College of Science and Engineering, encompassing the School of Engineering, the School of Informatics, and the School of GeoSciences. Research here is globally recognized, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, synthetic biology, and renewable energy. The campus hosts several UK Research and Innovation councils and is a partner in the Alan Turing Institute. Notable research breakthroughs have emerged from its laboratories, contributing to advancements in climate science, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology. The close ties with industry are evident through partnerships with companies like Skyrora, IBM, and AstraZeneca.

Notable buildings and landmarks

Among its many structures, several stand out for their architectural or historical significance. The William Rankine Building, named for the pioneering engineer, is a key facility for civil and environmental engineering. The iconic Crew Building, with its distinctive façade, houses the School of Biological Sciences. The Alexander Graham Bell Building honors the inventor and supports research in communications. The campus also features the historic Veterinary Field Station and the modern Roslin Institute, famed for the creation of Dolly the sheep. Landmarks include the King's Buildings Memorial Garden and the prominent telescope domes of the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.

Transport and accessibility

The campus is well-connected to central Edinburgh and beyond. It is served by several Lothian Buses routes, including the frequent number 41 and 24 services, which link to Edinburgh Waverley railway station and the Edinburgh Airport bus corridor. The nearby Morningside Road and Mayfield Road provide key arterial access for private vehicles and cyclists, with ample parking and Sustrans cycle paths available. The Blackford Hill and Hermitage of Braid local nature reserve border the site, offering pedestrian and recreational routes. Future connectivity is enhanced by its proximity to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and the Edinburgh Innovation Park at Easter Bush.

Category:University of Edinburgh Category:Science and technology in Edinburgh Category:Research institutes in Scotland