Sensory Guide: Buchanan Building
Introduction
The Buchanan Building is home to the School of Modern Languages. It includes a large lecture theatre suitable for ceremonies and several seminar rooms.
This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key teaching spaces within the building.
The Buchanan Building is located on Union Street, St Andrews (KY16 9PQ).
Lecture Theatre
Visual 👁
- No natural light
- Bright overhead lighting
- Stage with curtains and stage lighting
- Padded seats with fold-out tables
- Seating is fixed, with gaps between seats
Audio 👂
- Carpeted flooring helps dampen footsteps
- Can be busy and echoey during lectures or events 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Closely spaced fixed seating
- Capacity: 367
Seminar Rooms
Visual 👁
- Small windows providing limited natural light
- Classroom-style setup with tables and hard chairs
- Bright overhead lighting with blackout blinds
Audio 👂
- Carpeted floors help dampen sound of footsteps
- Chairs can be noisy when moved 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Limited floor space — can feel cramped
- Capacities vary:
- Room 401: 12
- Rooms 215 & 306: 16
- Rooms 103 & 402: 18
- Rooms 216 & 305: 26