Research Centre, University College Dublin
Academic / office building
The UCD Research Centre was designed to meet a brief that would reflect an overall ambience which is consistent with the distinctive message of a modern Irish University. It is a two storey academic/office building, adjoined to the existing University Administration Building but without compromising its unique and singular identity within the overall Campus setting. It is 600m2 in area and accommodates offices, meeting areas and display areas.
The building overlooks the lake in UCD and was designed to take advantage of natural daylight. It has a distinctive presence to reflect the corporate identity of the centre whilst the exterior facade of the building is in architectural harmony with the existing building, yet distinctively different with the use of pre-patented copper cladding and brise soleil fins screening a curtain walling facade. Sleek columns frame the building while supporting a 3.5m cantilevered roof structure, further dramatized by the use of selective uplighting.
A continuous rooflight floods the building’s interior with natural light, especially the double-volume atrium where the main reception and display area reflect the Centre’s corporate identity.
The Internal space consists of a double volume atrium, used for exhibition and as a corporate entertainment space which organises cellular office accommodation over two levels overlooking the UCD Lake and open plan accommodation on first floor level adjoining the Administration Building. A large boardroom and impact space are located at ground floor and can be incorporated into the atrium space by opening up a large folding glass wall. A natural ventilation strategy enables the building to self-regulate its temperature by automatically opening windows and grilles.
Location
- Dublin, Ireland
Area
- 600 sq. m
Completion
- 2007
Cost
- €3.2m