In the twentieth century this sensitivity to the existing building has continued. The new organ is dramatic and expressive of the bow of a ship, fitting as a gift of the Salveson shipping family. Modern light fittings are of themselves objects of beauty but are also effective lighting, and most recently the addition of a decorative glass and metal door screen has further enhanced an already glorious interior.
The creation of dramatic spaces using the natural materials and judicious use of colour creates spaces in our religious buildings that are designed to both inspire awe and also to enable contemplation along with a bit of drama. As such they have lessons for interior designers, and most are worthy of a visit to stand and stare if not to utter a prayer along the way. St Giles has a human scale and a quality of light that raises it to the highest level of such buildings, and makes it well worth a study if you are in Edinburgh.
First published in the DesignClub on 13th Feb 2010
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