New research has revealed the "most beautiful" universities across Europe and three Scottish spots are included — with two making the top 10.
Experts at global training company The Knowledge Academy set out to determine which European universities are the most beautiful according to the golden ratio. The term refers to a theory that says buildings, faces or artworks closest to this ratio are the most well balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
According to the research, the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh are all among the most beautiful. The three universities placed at eighth, ninth, and 13th respectively.
Ranking in first position for Scotland, and 8th in Europe overall, is University of St Andrews — namely St Salvator's Chapel. The ancient and beautiful university chapel, founded in 1450 and constructed in the late Gothic architectural style, shares a 74.74 per cent similarity to the golden ratio.
Following behind, in ninth place for Europe overall, is the University of Glasgow, with the researchers singling out the Gilbert Scott Building. Named after its designer, the university's primary building — which shares a 74.49 per cent similarity with the golden ratio — is home to the iconic tower that has become a landmark of Glasgow.
Just missing out a place in the top 10, with an overall position of 13, is the University of Edinburgh — in particular its Old College building. Home to the university's School of Law for over 300 years, the iconic late 18th century building was found to have a 65.50 per cent similarity to the golden ratio.
Meanwhile, the most beautiful university in Europe according to the researchers was found to be the University of Bucharest in Romania. Its Central Library, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau, is a cultural landmark and was found to have an astonishing 94.07 per cent similarity to the golden ratio.
More information about the study and the methodology used can be found on The Knowledge Academy website.
The top 10 most beautiful universities in Europe according to the golden ratio
- University of Bucharest, Romania — 94.07% similarity to golden ratio
- University of Catania, Italy — 89.50% similarity to golden ratio
- University of Oxford, England — 88.79% similarity to golden ratio
- Paris-Sorbonne University, France — 82.56% similarity to golden ratio
- Aarhus University, Denmark — 82.17% similarity to golden ratio
- Heidelberg University, Germany — 78.51% similarity to golden ratio
- Jagiellonian University, Poland — 77.32% similarity to golden ratio
- University of St. Andrews, Scotland — 74.74% similarity to golden ratio
- University of Glasgow, Scotland — 74.49% similarity to golden ratio
- University of Leuven, Belgium — 68.73% similarity to golden ratio
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