Informatics since the Edinburgh Cowgate fire in December 2002. These have been completely refurbished, creating a modern environment for teaching and research, although research has all but completely moved to the Informatics Forum. The five lecture theatres and teaching space on the ground and first floors were refurbished in 2006, and the remaining floors (basement and 6-8) were renovated in 2007. Recladding The Tower's external cladding of pre-cast concrete slabs with mosaic detailing had suffered badly from the Scottish weather, and in 2014 the university received permission for the recladding of the exterior, a reworking of the podium including the creation of a proper entrance, and integrating the Tower with the surrounding environment of Edinburgh's Southside. The refurbishment was completed on 7 November 2017. Context Although the Fundamental Science Buildings were not completed, preparatory demolition of Bristo Street to form the adjoining Crichton Street site left the University with an embarrassing gap site, which remained as an open, windswept car park for over forty years. The 2007 completion of the interior renovation of Appleton Tower coincides with further development of the surrounding area; the Crichton Street Car Park closed in 2005 to allow construction of the Informatics Forum, which was completed in 2008. Criticism Outwards appearance Geneticist Steve Jones has nominated "the ugliness of the Appleton Tower" as one of the wonders of the world for a BBC2 TV show. Early in 2005, a student newspaper launched a campaign to nominate it for the Channel 4 series Demolition – a series about the "worst buildings in Britain". The Tower did not make the final twelve. Later, in the same year, Historic Scotland considered giving the building listed status, but after opposition it was removed from the list. Edinburgh Fringe During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August, the building is used by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as a hub for performers and press, and goes by the name of Fringe Central. The venue is designated as Venue 2 of the Fringe. References External links Edinburgh University CompSoc – Appleton Tower Photo from the BBC blitzandblight.com / Appleton Tower Buildings and structures of the University of Edinburgh