Edinburgh builds Gateway to understanding
12 October 2009
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh has opened a new building and exhibition space to act as a grand entrance into the west side of the garden and celebrate the fundamental role of plants on our planet.
The John Hope Gateway is named after the 18th century botanist, physician and intellectual who was Regius Keeper – the equivalent of Director - at the Gardens for 25 years. The building has taken two years to complete and has cost £15.7 million, funded by the Scottish Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from companies, trusts and individuals.
Designed by Edward Cullinan Architects, it showcases the latest in sustainable technology, using energy generated by solar power, wind turbines and a biomass boiler burning wood from local estates. The modern design includes locally-sourced materials wherever possible, including its distinctive walls, constructed from Caithness stone.
Inside is an open space lit with natural light: as well as a new shop and restaurant, it houses displays and events throughout the year on biodiversity and climate change explored through the work of the gardens. There is also a permanent exhibition featuring a family tree of plant orders set out in more than 96 bell jars of plant specimens, from mosses to orchids.
“We want to open the eyes of visitors so they can see how the world is changing, and also what botanic gardens are doing about it,” says current Regius Keeper, Professor Stephen Blackmore. “We want to give people the sense that they understand the issues better and can see how they can be part of it.”