Which campus won the special prize for interior at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards?

Announced annually by UNESCO in Paris, France, since 2015, the Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions that shine a light on the finest contemporary projects worldwide. The "World's Most Beautiful” Achievements recognition in the categories of Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, Sports, Museums, Emporiums, Hotels and Restaurants, granted by the Prix Versailles, highlights the primary role of the Laureates in beautifying and improving the living environment.

Among six nominees on the World’s Most Beautiful Campuses List for 2024, Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK, won the special prize for its interior.

With the 20,000 sqm redevelopment of the 145-year-old category-A listed, baronial style former Royal Infirmary Hospital into a state-of-the-art space for teaching, researching and entrepreneurship, Consarc Design Group, the conservation architect, adapted a visionary approach to blend functionalism with the romantic Scottish baronial style, seamlessly integrating modern functionality with the building’s historic charm.

Internally, the former wards are kept simple and are more or less faithful to the original design – the large windows and tall ceilings being well suited to learning spaces. A noteworthy addition is the cleverly designed spiral escape stairs in the corner towers – which seem to have been serendipitously well suited to that purpose.