The Tron
Library of Enlightenment
A Library of Enlightenment.
The Tron Library is inspired by Edinburgh history as a city of enlightenment and the availability of new and old knowledge. Its logo reflects this, taking the form of a beam of light shining down from above.
While visiting various exhibitions I came across the following three texts; The Grammer of Ornament in the National Museum of Scotland, The Book of Kelly’s in Trinity College Library in Dublin, and the Gutenberg Bible on display in the National Library of Scotland. I immediately had the urge to take hold of the books and look through them but of course this was not possible. The Tron: Library of Enlightenment aims to make this possible. It will hold countless ancient Scottish texts on varying subjects that can either be taken out and looked through under supervision and training or can be explored and read digitally.
It will enlighten what was once kept in the dark.
The site is an important historical landmark of Edinburgh; Tron Kirk, a former principal parish church built in the 17th century. It has stood in the central location of the Royal Mile for nearing 400 years and has survived fires and varying changes of use. Beneath it lies further history in Marlin’s Wynd, the oldest cobbled path in Edinburgh. Its location and likely visits from tourists makes it a natural location for a purpose rooted in history.
This is no inconsequential site. And with the theme of the library being historical texts and enlightenment there is all the more reason to preserve and highlight the historical nature of the existing structure.
Particular attention will be payed to the archeological site below, the beautiful stained glass windows (some of which need restoration), the currently inaccessible tower and connecting the interior out to Hunter Square.
Through the creation of temporal diagrams, collages, sketches and physical models the concept of bold bookmark-like walkways traversing history takes shape …
The final proposal honours the historical significance oF Edinburgh's Royal Mile landmark while reimagining it as a centre for enlightenment and education.
By introducing a raised walkway for public access to the archaeological site below and levelling the first floor to showcase the stunning stained glass windows, the project preserved the building's heritage while enhancing its accessibility and functionality. A central light box structure symbolising enlightenment serves as both a functional element and a defining feature, transforming the Tron Kirk into a vibrant library that celebrates its rich historical context.
