Many of the transformations have resulted in the loss of stunning buildings, ranging from the historically important to the architecturally significant.
The post-war era of the 20th century saw a large increase in the number of Georgian and Victorian structures being raised to the ground, as the Capital looked boldly towards the future.
But it has to be said, not all of these modern developments were welcomed by locals, and many were fiercely opposed.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 18 lost Edinburgh buildings that we wish were still standing today.
13. Waverley Market and roof garden
Built in 1875, the original Waverley Market featured an attractive and symmetrically laid out roof garden with an abundance of plants and flowers and places to sit. It was demolished a century later for the current shopping centre. Photo: UNKNOWN
14. New Club, Princes Street
The neoclassical New Club on Princes Street was demolished for a brand new building in 1967. Photo: Unknown
15. Ritchie's store, Nicolson Street
Ritchie's department store, another mock-Tudor icon of Edinburgh's Southside, was destroyed by fire in June 1992. Photo: Jeff Mitchell
16. C&A Modes, Princes Street
The beautiful, mansard-roofed C&A Modes department store was destroyed in a terrible blaze in November 1955. Photo: UNKNOWN