2018 – Centre for Creative Design, University College Dublin, Ireland

The winning entry in an architectural competition to design a masterplan for a modern university campus, title the Future Campus Competition. The four other finalists comprised, Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US), O’Donnell + Tuomey (Ireland), Studio Libeskind (US) and UNStudio (Netherlands). The original shortlist was expanded from the expected five to six in recognition of the outstanding response from the international design community.

According to the University press release at the announcement:

“Holl’s placemaking strategy focuses on creating an exhilarating Centre for Creative Design as a gateway presence which cues to seven new quadrangles of open green space, designed to enhance the campus’ historic features and woodlands. A new pedestrian spine, parallel to the campus’ original spine, creates an H-plan organisation, lined with weather canopies that double as solar connectors, forming the infrastructure of an energy network. Cafés and social spaces are located along paths for informal gathering; landscape spaces are animated by water-retention ponds, rain- and wind-protected seating areas and preserved specimen trees.

The Centre, set by a plaza and a reflecting pool, displays prismatic forms inspired by the geology of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. It features abundant use of natural light, which is captured by two vertical structures angled at 23 degrees, mirroring the earth’s tilt. The auditorium echoes the shape of UCD’s iconic dodecahedral 1972 water tower; the Centre’s towers respond to the water tower’s pentagonal pillar.”

Professor Hugh Campbell, Professor of Architecture at University College Dublin and member of the competition jury, said: “Holl’s winning proposal combines the striking form of the Centre for Creative Design building with a clear and robust masterplan.

The Centre for Creative Design will allow UCD to harness and develop the creativity of its students in responding to the challenges and opportunities facing society. Holl’s emphasis on daylight and social connection promises a building which will enable and encourage collaboration and interaction, a building which is open and welcoming, a building in which cutting-edge technologies and core creative practices can fruitfully combine.”

In early 2023, the university announced that due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, the construction of the Centre for Creativity was to be paused and reassessed. The university noted that “the unique design of the Centre for Creativity presents particular construction challenges, and consequently a disproportionate share of the additional cost”.

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