University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews New College will rejuvenate the grade A listed site of the former Madras College, and the Blackfriars Chapel Scheduled Ancient Monument, into a climate resilient, bio-diverse haven which supports local wildlife, sequests carbon and manages water in the heart of the town, whilst providing a beautiful educational and social hub in the heart of St Andrews.

In line with the University aspirations the design seeks to manage 60% of the open space for bio-diversity and helps for strengthen a patchwork of spaces forming ecological links through St Andrews.

The landscape of the New College will provide a simple, usable landscape to the north of the New College, respecting the historic setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument, whilst enhancing the character, materiality and usability of the space. To the south of the building stepping terraces, open lawns, wildflower meadows and Suds attenuation zones provide a more intricate landscape to the southern entrance. A central courtyard, split across two internal floor levels, forms an quiet, tranquil and informal gathering space with seating steps surrounding a Suds attenuation feature planted to provide a dancing floral display throughout the seasons. A podium courtyard further diversifies the outdoor amenity spaces of the New College with raised planters, seasonal herbaceous planting, and a long feature seating element located to maximise the low St Andrews winter sun.

Detailing and materiality throughout the landscape takes inspiration from past students and teachers of the Madras College including Geologist Charles Lapworth and plant hydrologist Dr John Hardie Wilson.

The new tree planting will provide an overall landscape structure, visual enclosure, screening, and enhanced biodiversity. As part of the tree planting, species with distinct characters, forms, leaves, flowers, scents etc. and planted to form ‘clusters of curiosities’ - trees to inspire curiosity!

The landscape will support local wildlife, enhances the sites bio-diversity, integrates a variety of SuDS features and supports the Universities sustainability strategies, such as the ‘edible campus’ programme, whilst providing beautiful educational and functional spaces for students, staff and visitors to enjoy.