Some of the University of Otago's highest-fliers have flown.
The Otago University philosophy department's research performance has in recent years been twice rated as the highest of any university academic department in any discipline throughout the country.
These assessments-in 2003 and 2007- were made by the Tertiary Education Commission and the Performance-Based Research Fund.
For more than 40 years, Otago University's philosophers occupied an eagle's nest-like site, with some impressive views, on the top floor of the university Burns Building, in Albany St.
In January, the department shifted from its long-familiar fifth-floor quarters to its own house at 117 Union Street East, near the university commerce building.
The twin-level complex, with a floor area of about 300sq m, links two flats which last year had been extensively adapted for their new purpose.
A large room can be used for teaching, meetings or socialising, and there is an outside sitting area.
The department's previous quarters had become cramped, with postgraduate students housed in a separate building elsewhere.
Departmental head Dr James Maclaurin said the "positive move" had brought all members of his department together on one site, which was also an attractive and convenient place to visit.
University Property Services had done a "tremendous job" in creating a building that worked as a department, he said.
