Sensory Guide: Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI)
Introduction
The Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) is the hub for cutting-edge marine research. Students undertaking Marine Biology degrees will frequent this building, and Marine Biology staff have their offices here.
This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key shared and teaching spaces across the building.
SOI is located on East Sands, St Andrews (KY16 8LB).
Reception
Visual 👁
- Plenty of natural light
- Spacious layout
Audio 👂
- Generally quiet
- Carpet dampens sound of footsteps
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Mix of hard chairs and padded seating
- Open space allows easy movement
Seating Area
Visual 👁
- Spacious
- Natural light from skylights
- Low tables and varied seating
Audio 👂
- Carpet dampens sound of footsteps
- Generally quiet
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Padded chairs, stools, and couches
- Open-plan but comfortable personal space
Lecture Theatre
Visual 👁
- Capacity: 59
- Fixed, closely spaced seating
- Narrow desks
- Fairly bright artificial lighting
Audio 👂
- Carpet dampens sound of footsteps
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Very small space
- Limited personal space
Teaching Laboratory
Visual 👁
- Capacity: 30
- No natural light
- Very bright fluorescent lighting
- Lab benches with padded stools
Audio 👂
- Can be overstimulating with lots of activity
Smell 👃
- Possible lab-related smells depending on activity
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Active environment can feel busy
- Shared benches provide limited personal space
Internal Corridors
Visual 👁
- No natural light
- Very bright fluorescent lighting
Audio 👂
- Shiny flooring can make footsteps echo
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Narrow corridors may feel cramped