Page 66 - Studio International - May June 1975

Arts Centre

St. Andrew's University, 1971

Architect: James Stirling and Partner

The University's Art Department is
housed in St. Katherines, an 18th
century house in the centre of town. The
University has bought the flanking
properties and intends to expand by
making additions to the house. St.
Katherines is unusual in St. Andrews as
the house is set back and has two small
lodges on the road line, at present
somewhat engulfed by the flanking
properties. The Fine Arts Commission of
Scotland, responsible for the preservation
of the town, required these lodges to be
retained in any rebuilding by the
University.
The new additions include an art
gallery for university and public
exhibitions, a theatre-workshop for
university and public performances, a
reading room, a seminar room and
studio space for painting and sculpture.
Both additions have been extended as
wings reaching to the road line and
connecting with the existing lodges.
The high curved walls of the extensions
create a courtyard, a university/public
space for both town and gown, a new
outdoor room in the medieval city.
The theatre/art gallery has two
mechanically operated 'lift-up' walls;
when both are down the enclosed space
can be used independently for rehearsal
or theatre in-the-round performances. •
James Stirling

Model
2 Axonometric showing projection facilitie
3 Axonometric part plan
4 Long section of multi use space
5 Short section of multi use space and
elevation of original building

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