The Future Campus project is intended to create a stronger physical presence and identity for University College Dublin within the city.
The first stage of the competition attracted 98 teams from 28 countries and UCD expanded the shortlist from five to six teams in recognition of the outstanding response.
The proposition for architects and masterplanners who qualified for the second stage of the competition was to draw up an urban design vision that foregrounds a highly visible and welcoming entrance precinct, and to create a concept design for a charismatic yet integrated new 8,000 sqm building that expresses the University’s creativity: the circa €48m Centre for Creative Design.
Professor Andrew J. Deeks, President of University College Dublin and competition jury chair, said:
‘We are interested in the outstanding. The competition affords us a rare moment, to transform the campus in a way that promotes a strong sense of community and inspires students and faculty, visitors and local innovators to explore new ways of learning and thinking.’
Founded as an independent university 160 years ago by the visionary John Henry Newman, UCD has been a vital and influential force in shaping modern Ireland, both politically and culturally, as well as renowned for fostering creativity and expressiveness.
UCD appointed a high-profile jury that included, among others, Sir David Adjaye, Principal, Adjaye Associates; Ann Beha, Principal, Ann Beha Architects and member, Harvard University Design Advisory Panel; and acclaimed urban planner Joe Berridge, Partner, Urban Strategies, Inc.
In August 2018, Steven Holl Architects was chosen as the winner.