On 27 March, Edinburgh Futures Institute was awarded the 2026 Civic Trust’s Special Award for Reuse and Adaptation.
The award is presented to an exceptional restoration scheme to address present-day needs, that would otherwise be left to decay or be demolished. Recipients of the award must benefit their communities and users by maintaining cultural heritage or restoring a culturally significant site, ensuring its viability for new uses and modern functions.
Edinburgh Futures Institute is one of six hubs created as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) programme, with capital funding from both the UK and Scottish governments.
Professor Kim Graham, Senior Responsible Officer of the DDI programme and the University’s Provost, said:
“By bringing a fantastic building back into public use and opening its doors again to Edinburgh communities, residents and visitors, as well as industry, academics and students, EFI is creating new and meaningful connections with the city and beyond to make an impact for the common good. Congratulations to the EFI team and all involved for this award, which recognises their hard work to deliver across four strategic pillars of Research, Innovation, Education, and Convening.”
The aim of the Civic Trust Awards is to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment through design, sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility, and to reward projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic or environmental benefit to their local communities.
