Hexagons

(Again continuing the theme of mathematical shapes in buildings)

This Scottish Widows building is made up of 12 interlocking hexagonal shapes of different heights and opened in 1976. The architect, Sir Basil Spence, was inspired by the hexagonal basalt columns of Samson's Ribs in nearby Holyrood Park with the hexagonal honeycomb shape easily seen from the top of Salisbury Crags or Arthur's Seat. While on a tour one 'Doors Open Day' I was very impressed with the views looking across the grounds with its native plants towards the Crags so giving a very rural looking outlook inspite of being just over a mile from Edinburgh city centre.