Site Location

The site for the Film Institute is located in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, at the intersection of the high street and the Water of Leith.

Double Skin Facade Diagrams

Extensive levels of light control both internally and externally. Transluscent glass provides consistent, even, ambient lighting inside the foyer and office spaces. Hidden LED lighting creates luminescent glow on the outside, making the Edinburgh Film Institute into an urban beacon. A cinema in central Stockbridge would cause significant noise distruption to neighbouring buildings, the stepped park, and the peaceful Water of Leith walkway. The double-skin facade acts as a second layer of audio control keeping the noise of people and movies inside the Institute. Although it is not primarily intended for this purpose, the facade has the potential to utilize stack ventilation as a passive mechanism for air circulation. This approach is feasible only on the South-facing elevations and may require mechanical ventilation assistance during periods of high occupancy. When the louvres are closed, the space between the two layers of the facade is warmed by solar radiation, which effectively creates a ‘heat barrier’. This mechanism serves as an added layer of insulation against the chilly outdoor air and could radiate some heat indoors, ultimately leading to reduced service costs.