Dyson Perrins Laboratory - Central Administration - University of ...

through 1939-40 extension; there is no direct disabled access to the listed portions of thebuilding. The limitations of access through the original South Parks Road entrances isunfortunate, as ideally all users should be able to enter the through the same point and movefreely around the building without disadvantage.4.2 Maintenance4.2.1 External ElevationsThe external elevations of the Dyson Perrins Laboratory are amongst its most significantfeatures. The primary, southern elevation is the most recognisable aspect of the building andpossesses notable aesthetic value. It contributes substantially to the unique and mixedcharacter of South Parks Road, as well as being perfectly pleasant in its own right. Thewestern elevation is interesting, having been designed to fit into an awkwardly irregular spacequite attractively. It now forms a pleasant approach to the new Earth Sciences Building. Thenorthern elevation has suffered somewhat, being overlooked and blocked in by laterconstruction (Figures 12 and 15) especially the original engaged ionic portico. A modern,single-storeyed hut now fills the void at the rear of the eastern wing, detracting from theaesthetic value of the elevation. The eastern elevation is pleasant, but the least significant ofthe four.The historic, red-brick elevations are of some aesthetic value and contribute to the characterof their settings, most notably the southern elevation. For the most part the elevations haveaged well, but they are open to weathering, erosion, potential vandalism, and pollution;damage which could detract from the significance of the heritage asset. The brick work hassuffered in some places, especially along the corner of the western and northern elevations.There is staining to the stone banding and detailing.The roof has been disfigured by aglut of services and extensions. Ashighlighted above, the roof-levelcooling plant extension at the rearof the building acts to homogenisethe engaged portico with the rest ofthe façade, lessening its impact(Figure 12). The large ducts on thelower, western section of the 1913-16 roof are incongruous and visiblefrom the street. The associated steelaccess ladders and safety rail arenecessary, but do diminish theaesthetic value of the frieze,balustrade, and roofline whenFigure 15. The rear (northern) elevation lookingsouthwards from the pleasant forum beside newEarth SciencesThe Dyson Perrins Laboratory, Oxford 36Conservation Plan, May 2012