Scott Building, Dunedin
The Scott Building marks a pivotal moment in the history of New Zealand鈥檚 medical education. Completed in 1917, it was the first major structure built beyond the central University of Otago campus and symbolized Dean Sir Lindo Ferguson鈥檚 ambitious expansion of the Otago Medical School鈥攖he country鈥檚 first. Designed by Mason and Wales in a Neo-Classical style, the building originally housed the departments of Pathology and Bacteriology and set the architectural tone for further medical school development in the area.
Named in honor of Professor John Halliday Scott, who was appointed to the university in 1877 and played a foundational role in the early medical school, the building represents both historical and educational milestones. While Scott began with just five students and no formal school, his efforts laid the groundwork for what would become a prominent institution under Ferguson鈥檚 leadership.
The building鈥檚 exterior, with its red brick, 艑amaru stone facings, and classical detailing鈥攊ncluding dentilled cornices, Ionic capitals, and a central pediment with the University crest鈥攐ffers a striking contrast to the older Neo-Gothic campus buildings to the north. Inside, the Scott Building features stained glass windows, Art Deco鈥搃nfluenced plaster ceilings, and finely crafted woodwork, including decorative archways and a distinctive staircase.
Originally outfitted with lecture halls, offices, and a museum, it remains a functional part of the Division of Health Sciences. Today, the building continues to serve as a site of medical teaching and research, while also standing as a significant piece of Dunedin鈥檚 educational and architectural heritage.
Named in honor of Professor John Halliday Scott, who was appointed to the university in 1877 and played a foundational role in the early medical school, the building represents both historical and educational milestones. While Scott began with just five students and no formal school, his efforts laid the groundwork for what would become a prominent institution under Ferguson鈥檚 leadership.
The building鈥檚 exterior, with its red brick, 艑amaru stone facings, and classical detailing鈥攊ncluding dentilled cornices, Ionic capitals, and a central pediment with the University crest鈥攐ffers a striking contrast to the older Neo-Gothic campus buildings to the north. Inside, the Scott Building features stained glass windows, Art Deco鈥搃nfluenced plaster ceilings, and finely crafted woodwork, including decorative archways and a distinctive staircase.
Originally outfitted with lecture halls, offices, and a museum, it remains a functional part of the Division of Health Sciences. Today, the building continues to serve as a site of medical teaching and research, while also standing as a significant piece of Dunedin鈥檚 educational and architectural heritage.
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Scott Building on Map
Sight Name: Scott Building
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Dunedin, located on New Zealand鈥檚 South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago鈥攖he country鈥檚 oldest university鈥攁nd a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city鈥檚 distinctive 19th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution鈥檚 long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles