School of Social and Political Science
University of Edinburgh
An estate strategy and spatial study for the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science, exploring how space can support academic culture, strengthen community and foster a sense of belonging across a diverse university estate.
The University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science occupies a diverse collection of buildings across the University's central campus. This estate strategy and spatial study explores how physical space can support the School's ambitions for teaching, research, collaboration and public engagement, considering the relationship between academic culture and the environments in which it unfolds.
Universities are communities as much as collections of buildings. They are places shaped by conversation, enquiry and exchange, where formal learning is complemented by the informal interactions that occur between students, researchers, educators and professional services staff. The study therefore sought to understand how the School's estate might better support a sense of belonging, intellectual community and shared identity.
A programme of workshops and stakeholder engagement brought together students, academic staff, professional services teams and senior leadership to explore the values, aspirations and priorities that define the School. These conversations were combined with detailed spatial analysis, examining how buildings, workplaces, learning environments and shared social spaces contribute to the everyday experience of academic life.
The project highlights the importance of flexibility, accessibility and interaction within contemporary university environments. Alongside teaching and research facilities, it considers the role of collaborative spaces, informal gathering places and landscape in supporting wellbeing, knowledge exchange and a stronger sense of community.
Bringing together consultation, analysis and architectural thinking, the study establishes a strategic framework for the future evolution of the School's estate. It demonstrates how thoughtful planning can align physical space with institutional values, creating environments that support learning, research and community while strengthening the School's position within the wider University campus.
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Project Type
Estate Strategy and Spatial StudyCompletion
2025Client
The University of EdinburghUser
School of Social and Political ScienceHeritage Designation
Category A Listed Building -
Client
The University of EdinburghUser
School of Social and Political ScienceArchitect
Reiach and Hall Architects -
The University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science occupies a diverse collection of buildings across the University's central campus. This estate strategy and spatial study explores how physical space can support the School's ambitions for teaching, research, collaboration and public engagement, considering the relationship between academic culture and the environments in which it unfolds.
Universities are communities as much as collections of buildings. They are places shaped by conversation, enquiry and exchange, where formal learning is complemented by the informal interactions that occur between students, researchers, educators and professional services staff. The study therefore sought to understand how the School's estate might better support a sense of belonging, intellectual community and shared identity.
A programme of workshops and stakeholder engagement brought together students, academic staff, professional services teams and senior leadership to explore the values, aspirations and priorities that define the School. These conversations were combined with detailed spatial analysis, examining how buildings, workplaces, learning environments and shared social spaces contribute to the everyday experience of academic life.
The project highlights the importance of flexibility, accessibility and interaction within contemporary university environments. Alongside teaching and research facilities, it considers the role of collaborative spaces, informal gathering places and landscape in supporting wellbeing, knowledge exchange and a stronger sense of community.
Bringing together consultation, analysis and architectural thinking, the study establishes a strategic framework for the future evolution of the School's estate. It demonstrates how thoughtful planning can align physical space with institutional values, creating environments that support learning, research and community while strengthening the School's position within the wider University campus.