Adam Ferguson (Block D), Arts Faculty, University Of Edinburgh, 36 George Square

Adam Ferguson (Block D) is a 4-storey and basement linear arts faculty building at the University of Edinburgh, constructed between 1965 and 1967 by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners, with structural engineering by Blyth & Blyth and built by Crudens. This Modernist style building is set on a stepped concrete podium and features two projecting wings to the south at sub-podium level. It is made of reinforced concrete with brick infill and is clad in York stone slabs, while the sub-podium frontages facing Buccleuch Place are finished in roughcast render. The building has boarded ceilings in the shallow loggia that surrounds it.

On the north elevation facing George Square, the building has nine structural bays with pilotis that support the overhanging upper floors. The ground floor wall is mostly blind, except for a narrow strip of glazing above head height, and there are porches at each end. The main entrance is recessed and located off-centre on the left elevation, featuring storey-high fixed windows and glazed doors in a timber frame. Horizontal bands of timber-framed windows wrap around the upper floors. The south elevation has large ground floor windows in a horizontal timber frame and two ashlar base courses. Basement level windows open onto a garden court, and the sub-podium wings contain doors leading onto Buccleuch Place.

Inside, the ground floor has a central circulation area with doors at each end, classrooms to the south, and lavatories to the north. There are two linked corridors running the length of the building that lead to upper floors, with staff offices located off these corridors. The interior features demountable storage walls designed for flexible office arrangements, and departments are arranged vertically. Throughout the building, there is painted timber joinery and plaster walls. An internal ramp provides access to the sub-podium level, which includes a refectory and other faculty buildings. Part of the basement is designated as an underground car park.