BACKGROUND

OOBE was appointed with AHR. OOBE is developing the landscape design and public realm associated with the new visionary Dunfermline Learning Campus for Fife Council, which is being completed via HUB East Central. The project incorporates the combining of three core learning facilities: Woodmill High School, St Columba’s High School, and Fife College on one integrated site.

The design aims to encourage access from not just the adjacent schools but the wider region community. With an open-access ground floor, members of the public, parents, and teachers are invited to explore the learning opportunities.

Challenging Low Carbon Targets for both Embodied and Operational Emissions, the project forms part of a Scottish Futures Trust Pathfinder initiative for the new “Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard” as the first Further Education college to adopt the associated design principles.

THE CONCEPT

The development will provide a replacement integrated learning campus for Dunfermline and the surrounding catchment area. This will include new vehicle access to the site, associated car parking, drop-off, and wider external works. The design includes an allowance for all facilities within one building, with associated external spaces providing access directly from the ground floor of the building.

RESULTS

The landscape design approach is focused on creating a sustainable campus designed with Green-Blue infrastructure that acts as a ‘machine for learning’—an aspirational learning environment that becomes a benchmark for further education in Scotland. It seeks to establish an appropriate setting, character, and identity for the new College building and create an inspiring learning and teaching environment for students and staff.

Visuals provided by AHR

Photos by Keith Hunter Photography