1972 – Administration Building, University College Dublin, Co. Dublin

In 1964, a competition to design a masterplan for the UCD campus at Belfield was won by young Polish architect Andrzej Wejchert. On the strength of his win, he established a practice in Dublin, in association with Robinson, Keefe and Devane, and in 1974 the practice of A. and D. Wejchert. The competition included the design of three buildings – the Arts Block, the Administration Building, and the Aula Maxima.

The assessors report stated that “The keynote of this design is the Author’s idea of arranging the various buildings at either side of a pedestrian mall of interesting and irregular shape…”. From this plan, the current central area of the UCD campus developed with buildings by Wejchert and Scott Tallon Walker.

The main public entrance to the Administration Building is from a pedestrian mall. Directly above, on the first-floor level, a covered bridge connects the Administration Building with the Arts Building. This bridge, together with a similar bridge between the Arts Building and Library, integrates the three buildings into one organism, facilitating substantially students and staff circulation. The initial design for the Administration Building incorporated the Aula Maxima which subsequently was deferred and later cancelled.

The internal space is organised around centrally located main hall. Offices and ancillary rooms surround this hall from three sides with fourth side open for public reception area. Glazed roof admits natural light to main hall and adjoining passages.

This building was awarded the RIAI Gold Medal for 1971-73. The citation read: “This is a building of great character and strength. It takes full advantage of a worthy setting and balances in harmony with other fine buildings which are part of its environment. With the directness of a form constructed in concrete, it combines the sensitivity of fine detail and finish. The approaches both from the open air and though the transparent first floor link from the arts block provoke a dramatic interest in what lies beyond. The floor levels and vertical circulation are cleverly related to a contoured site. The space created by the large central office and concourse adds warmth and cheerfulness to dignity and elegance. The rest of the accommodation is simply and directly related to the dominant central space. Again crisp subtle detail enhances the atmosphere of relaxed efficiency. The building has the special merit of appearing complete and yet embodying the flexibility to envisage and provide for very substantial future expansion. It is in every aspect a building of distinction.”