Sensory Guide: Willie Russell Laboratories
Introduction
The Willie Russell Laboratories, named after former Professor of Virology, were opened in 2019 following a fire affecting the BMS Building. The building is primarily used by students and staff in the School of Biology.
This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key teaching and communal spaces within the building.
Willie Russell Laboratories is located on the North Haugh, St Andrews (KY16 9ST).
Lecture Room B
Visual 👁
- TVs along the sides of the room
- Very bright artificial lighting
- Large room with hard chairs in rows and fold-out tables
Audio 👂
- Possible scraping of chairs on the floor 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Hard chairs and fold-out tables
- Seating can feel small and uncomfortable, but setup offers more personal space
Smell 👃
- Neutral environment
Teaching Labs
Visual 👁
- Teaching Lab 1 (Capacity: 32, two rooms)
- Teaching Lab 3 (Capacity: 64)
- Very bright artificial lighting, little natural light
- Lab benches and high wooden stools
Audio 👂
- Can be overstimulating with lots of activity 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Workspaces at lab benches
- Seating on high stools
- Limited personal space during busy practicals
Smell 👃
- Possible smells depending on lab activity 👃
Corridors
Visual 👁
- No natural light
- Very bright lighting
- Shiny flooring
Audio 👂
- Generally quiet environment 🔇
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Open layout allows easy movement
Smell 👃
- Neutral environment