Appleton Tower itself has a long architectural and academic legacy. Designed by Reiach and Hall and completed in 1966, the building was originally conceived as part of a larger redevelopment of George Square. It underwent a major refurbishment between 2015 and 2017, led by LDN Architects and Buro Happold, with CCG SBS as main contractor. This redevelopment addressed energy performance, accessibility, and teaching space upgrades—earning the building an RICS Scotland Award for Design Through Innovation in 2018.
Ferco’s Contribution to Appleton Tower’s Learning Environment
In 2024, Fercos was proud to complete the full seating installation for Auditoriums 4 and 5 in the University of Edinburgh’s Appleton Tower—an iconic academic building in the heart of the city. These two mirrored lecture theatres were each equipped with 307 FT8 Wrimatic seats, bringing the total installed to 596 seats across the project.
Chosen for its slimmer backrest profile, the FT8 Wrimatic was the ideal solution for maximising space while maintaining ergonomic comfort. The integrated Wrimatic tablet provides a durable, fold-away writing surface, widely trusted across leading universities. Each auditorium features a flexible configuration of two- and three-seater benches, carefully arranged to optimise space usage and ensure clear sightlines throughout the theatre.
This installation also reflects the University of Edinburgh’s ongoing partnership with Fercos, following the successful delivery of 371 FT8 Wrimatic seats earlier in 2024 at the Michael Swann Building. The decision to continue with the same seating model underscores the university’s confidence in both the product and our long-term service support.
Thoughtful Design and Finish
A key aesthetic element of this project was the carefully considered upholstery scheme. Working in close collaboration with the client, Fercos specified Camira’s Main Line Flex fabric, using a curated blend of four colour tones—Archway, Bethnal, Goldhawk, and Tuffnel. The combination creates a calm, modern visual rhythm across the lecture theatres, softening the technical structure of the seating and complementing the palette of the refurbished interiors.
Inclusive Design at the Forefront
As part of the University’s commitment to inclusive education, the front rows in each theatre include 9 K-Roll removable seats, providing flexibility to accommodate wheelchair users with ease. Additionally, adjustable Wrimatic tablet arms were installed at DDA-compliant positions, ensuring students with mobility needs have the same access and comfort as their peers.
Fercos’ installation in 2024 represents the final layer in the tower’s transformation—aligning with the University of Edinburgh’s vision of creating inclusive, future-ready teaching environments. The result is two state-of-the-art auditoriums that blend architectural heritage with high-performance learning design, ready to serve generations of students to come.
