Joseph Black Building, University Of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh

Arthur Balfour Paul of Rowand Anderson and Paul (1919 plans); completed by John F Matthew of Lorimer and Matthew, 1920-24; 2nd storey addition by William Hardie Kininmonth of Rowand Anderson, Kininmonth and Paul (1949-50). A symmetrical 2-storey, 11-bay, rectangular- plan chemistry building with classical detailing. The building is red brick with red sandstone dressings. The north (entrance) elevation has an advanced central bay with pediment. The elaborate doorcase below is also pedimented. To either side of the timber 2-leaf panelled door, consoles support an open pediment above, with the University of Edinburgh crest and carved leaf surround to the centre. The doorpiece has a corniced parapet forming a balcony in front of a round-arched single window at the 1st floor. There is an oval light with relief carving of laurels and in the tympanum above. There is a corniced blocking course behind the pediment. The outer bays are advanced, framed by pilasters. There are panelled metal aprons dividing the windows between floors. Sculptural motifs by Alexander Carrick to outermost aprons.

The 22-bay east elevation has segmental arched windows to the ground floor. The cornice is surmounted by a sandstone blocking course emblazoned with 'Edinburgh University Department of Chemistry'. Band course divides 1950 additions. There are single windows to both floors and also to the basement. The 8th bay from the right has flanking lights and a coped balcony. To the left is an advanced 5-bay section with a carved sandstone shield, escutcheon and swags to the centre. The 23-bay west elevation has mostly single windows with sandstone lintels to the ground floor windows and voussoirs to the first floor windows. Double-glazed windows are uPVC replacements. Cast iron rainwater goods.

The interior was seen in 2015. The reception hall area is a double-height space with classical detailing including twin, square-plan columns, curvilinear pedimented timber doorpiece, moulded wall-panels, decorative cornices and a segmental arch part-gallery to first floor level, overlooking main entrance hall. The doors to corridors and laboratories are mostly timber with glass panel upper-section. There are red glazed tiles to lower sections of corridor walls.