Playfair Paving Schemes in Edinburgh : an investigation of materials and paving patterns

William H. Playfair (1789-1857) was a renowned architect who contributed greatly to the Scottish Enlightenment and was responsible for many of Edinburgh‘s prominent buildings during the early 19th century. The purpose of this report is to provide information on the historic paving schemes associated with Playfair buildings in order to help inform the design of a proposed new paving scheme for the Old College. The centre of the Old College courtyard is currently a gravel surface. A proposal is under consideration to pave some of this area using natural stone. Documenting areas of existing paving associated with Playfair buildings may allow the design and specification of the new paving scheme to reflect the historic paving styles used in the city at the time these buildings were first constructed and used. Not all of the sites described in this study are designed by Playfair; other contemporary buildings were also visited.