Sensory Guide: Irvine Building
Introduction
The Irvine Building is located in the historic centre of St Andrews and is home to the School of Geography and Sustainable Development.
This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key teaching, laboratory, and circulation spaces within the building.
The Irvine Building is located on North Street, St Andrews (KY16 9AL).
Computer Room (IRV 215)
Visual 👁
- Windows overlooking Sallies Lawn provide natural light
- Classroom-style layout with desks
Audio 👂
- Carpeted flooring muffles footstep noise
- Loud fan running continuously in the room 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Desks are very close together, limiting personal space
- Room can feel cool in temperature
Irvine Lecture Theatre (IRV 504)
Visual 👁
- Tiered, theatre-style seating
- Writing tablets attached to seats
- Whiteboards can cause glare
- No natural light
Audio 👂
- Generally quiet during teaching
- Noise from writing tablets when opening and closing
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Padded seats
- Seating is closely spaced
- Capacity: 118
Lapworth Laboratory (IRV 208)
Visual 👁
- Natural light from windows
- Individual workspaces with microscopes
Audio 👂
- Generally quiet working environment
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Individual workstations provide defined personal space
- Windows can be opened for fresh air
Seminar Rooms (IRV 310 & IRV 327)
Visual 👁
- Dim lighting
- Classroom-style setup with tables and chairs
Audio 👂
- Chairs can be noisy when moved across the floor 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Seating arranged close together
- Capacity: approximately 24–32
Playfair & Forbes Laboratories (IRV 329 & IRV 409)
Visual 👁
- Natural light from windows
- Classroom-style layout with tables and chairs
Audio 👂
- Generally calm sound environment
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Windows can be opened for fresh air
- Capacity: 30 (IRV 329) and 72 (IRV 409)
Lift
Visual 👁
- Mirror to aid reversing out of the lift
Audio 👂
- Audible announcements
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Accessible to all students
- Braille markings on controls