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.
. Portobello Bathing Pool, Portobello
Having given joy to generations, Portobello Bathing Pool and its gorgeous art deco surrounds met with the wrecking ball in 1988. The pool, which dated from 1936, closed for the final time in 1978. Photo: Unknown
. Maules department store, West End
West End of Princes Street in the late 19th century showing Maule's store. this stunning building was constructed in the late 19th century and replaced in 1935 for the current Johnnie Walker (formerly Binns, House of Fraser) building. Photo: UNKNOWN
. North British & Mercantile Insurance building, Princes Street
The grand North British & Mercantile Insurance building fell in 1966 despite significant opposition from heritage campaigners. Photo: Unknown
. Parkers store, Bristo Street
Many of the buildings around Bristo Street in the Southside, including the striking, mock-Tudor Parkers department store, would disappear in an expansion of Edinburgh University in the late 1960s and early 70s. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
. Kirkgate Church, Henderson Street, Leith
Henderson Street has never been quite the same since losing the beautiful Kirkgate Church. It was demolished in 1975. Photo: Unknown
. Palace Hotel, Princes Street
The handsome and imposing Palace Hotel on Princes Street was cruelly destroyed in a fire in June 1991. It was alleged that youths had broken in and started the blaze. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
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