Geograph - photograph every grid square

TQ3409
The University of Sussex, at Falmer, has an enviable location next to the South Downs National Park yet within a short distance of Brighton. The University received its Royal Charter in August 1961and it was the first of the plate glass universities. Sussex was a founding member of the 1994 research-intensive universities. The founding architect, Sir Basil Spence, said that “The whole precinct should have the 'sense of a university' and should, if possible, grow out of the soil of Sussex to become a natural part of this beautiful site".
From 52 students in 1961-62, Sussex has increased its intake to over 17,000 students. Many students come from overseas while others have come to study there from locations outside of Brighton’s hinterland. This influx, of mainly young people, requires the infrastructure to support them and this, in part, has resulted in an ambitious building programme particularly in TQ3409. The University initiated a number of changes with the Sussex Strategic Plan 2009–2015, which included the introduction of new academic courses, the opening of new research centres, the renovation and refurbishment of a number of its schools and buildings and the ongoing expansion of its student, housing facilities. At present, only first year undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation at a hall of residence while other students have to find alternative accommodation in the private sector which is typically based in Brighton. Partly due to the great demand for accommodation in Brighton, rents there are high. The University has spent over £100 million on campus redevelopment and as an ongoing investment £500 million is planned to be spent by the 2021. By replacing old energy inefficient buildings and constructing new ones to 'BREEAM' standards, it is planned to reduce the carbon footprint of campus activities by 44% in the years leading up to 2020.
Examples of recent building are shown in the supporting photos with much of it being related to buildings for more student accommodation. Much of this new building is situated on the East Slope.
There is a student demand for more accommodation on site because it means that students are closer to their place of work and closer to facilities like libraries, work facilities and recreational facilities. Living closer to work cuts out much unnecessary travel and this is not only better for personal time management but it is also better for the environment as there is less air pollution associated with travel. However, building work is noisy, dusty and has other disadvantages like turning two lane roads into single ones which are controlled by traffic lights as on Refectory Road. Land use is permanently changed from that of open spaces to areas of densely packed buildings. Sir Basil Spence would, no doubt, be at least partly pleased by the new building but whether he would see those new buildings as “a natural part of this beautiful site” is open to question. What do you think?
Andrew Diack BA (Hons)
TQ3409 : Building work off Refectory Road, University of SussexTQ3409 : Temporary traffic lights on Refectory RoadTQ3409 : Chalk dust from building site being carried on to Refectory RoadTQ3409 : University of Sussex Health CentreTQ3409 : Recently built halls of residence at the University of Sussex