64 Princes Street, BHS

Category

Library Item

Item no

41146

Title

64 Princes Street, BHS

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2016

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This four storey and basement, rectangular-plan, Modernist purpose-built store for the multiples retailer British Homes Stores was designed as the first flagship store of the chain in Scotland and presents bespoke 1960s modern design for the latest development in retailing. Much thought has been given to the integration of the entire plan (including the rooftop) and interiors and the sensitivity of the materials of the exterior as the building was meant to be viewed not only as an integral component of the existing streetscape but also from many vantage points in the city centre, including Edinburgh Castle.

The Edinburgh store is one of the first of the proposed 'panel buildings' planned as part of the comprehensive redevelopment of Princes Street, originating in the Abercrombie plan of 1949. No detailed plans for the redevelopment of the shopping thoroughfare existed in 1966 and the design of the BHS store could therefore be considered the forerunner of subsequent post-war insertions into the long stretch of shops, offices and hotels. (7 buildings were constructed as part of the Princes Street Panel, only one other is listed - the Edinburgh New Club (no.43) by Alan Reiach, Eric Hall and Partners). Along with its attention to detail and the additional design of the roofscape, the BHS building is one of the best examples of the panel formula.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Business > Service industry > Shops

People > Transportation > Pedestrians

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Princes Street

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Plants > Trees > Trees

Transport > Infrastructure > Ornate lamp posts

Transport > Infrastructure > Street lights

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