Introduction

Geddes theories

Geddes saw the formwork developed

Influence on Edinburgh

It was during the

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In order to maintain the cultural aura of the old town, Geddess renewal would not demolish the degraded city, but simply better it. Existing buildings would be improved upon, as not to displace families and avoiding social segregation.

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To follow, are examples of some of the key areas and buildings which Geddes saved from demolition as a result of utter deprivation during the slum period in the Old Town.

Geddess improvements began when he and his wife Anna moved into the Old Town. They lived in James Court, massive tenement buildings which had become part of the Old Town slum.

Comprised

of

two late 18th century

tenements

with

Formerly two L-shaped three storey houses featuring a stone arch to a barrel vaulted pend, again renovated into student residences by Geddes. (at the time only Cambridge and Oxford were providing accommodation for their

Victorian pediment dormers, and spectacular views over the gardens and Princes Street. They were rehabilitated by Geddes in 1887 as student residences, the first to come for Scottish Universities. He created also a small back garden,

students)

Geddes and his wife moved there to prove to others that pleasant homes could become in these unpromising

a further addition to his green network. St Giles House Mylnes Court Converted in 1892, quite daringly, Geddes provided more student accommodation, encouraging students to build a community of co-operative living and for learning and intellectual interaction. Trust 2008) Old Assembly Close Lady Stairs Close Geddess communities came together through the open spaces he used to connect the Old Town. In 1899, he created Tron Square, accessed from Assembly Close which he pedestrianised. He believed that where possible pedestrian precincts should be created, enhancing public interaction and weakening vehicle domination. (Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial As in Mylnes Court, Geddes provided more self-governing student accommodation. Students were relieved of the dire conditions they were living in and given full

surroundings. Before long, their influence was noticeable. Their neighbours began cleaning and planting and took interest in other improvements, this was encouraged by Geddes himself getting involved in the manual work His wife Anna, also contributed to their learn neighbouring nurture and

responsibility for the management of the regenerated building.

community by

helping

mothers to

homecare. (Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust 2008)

Ramsay Gardens and Lodge A picturesque group of buildings, which Geddes

This building fell into such bad repair during the slum period (19th century), it was ready for demolition. Geddes persuaded the City Council to buy it and restore it, one of his earliest conservation efforts.

rehabilitated as a mix of student accommodation, flats for professors, intellectuals, and artists as well as an art school.

It comprised with Ramsay Garden, which would later form part of a green network in the City. The complex as a whole is regarded loyal to the organic principles of Geddes. (Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust 2008) Figure 2 shows the building within its lush garden today.

Blackie House Situated East of Lady Stairs Close, Geddes removed two narrow closes as part of his programme of improvement to bring light and air into the old tenements. He Aside from rehabilitating many buildings, Geddes

incorporated networks of open spaces. His aim was to combine housing and recreational space, and to draw a wider community to the area.

remodelled the North side as a hall for the University.