UCD Student Centre Dublin, University College, Belfield Campus, Building, Ireland

UCD Student Centre : University College Dublin

Belfield Campus Dublin, Ireland design by FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

31 Aug 2012

Design: FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

New UCD Student Centre now open

The UCD Student Centre designed by FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners opened today at University College Dublin’s Belfield Campus. The opening coincides with the start of the new academic year.

UCD Student Centre
photo by Donal Murphy; courtesy of FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

UCD Student Centre Dublin

UCD Student Centre is the new epicentre of sporting, social and academic life in UCD. The project occupies a unique position in the history of the Belfield campus, as both the largest single project since the original masterplan, and the first to be funded entirely by its students.

The complex encompasses 11,000 square metres of student facilities in an iconic, exciting and public-spirited new building by Dublin-based Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners. A 50 metre swimming pool, debating chamber, 150- piece gym, 3D cinema, performance theatre and radio studio, among many others, redefine the standards for Irish university facilities. Sustainability was central to the design, with local materials, international expertise and groundbreaking technologies combined to make the Student Centre one of the most eco-friendly public buildings in Ireland.

UCD Student Centre University College Dublin UCD Student Centre Dublin University College Dublin Belfield Campus University College Dublin Belfield Campus
photos by Donal Murphy; courtesy of FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

New public space around the Student Centre unifies the new facilities with the existing UCD Sport and original Student Centre. Aerial walkways within the new building link the three structures to make a seamless, hybrid sport and leisure complex: a place for everyone.

UCD Student Centre Dublin UCD Student Centre Dublin Belfield Campus University College Dublin Belfield Campus UCD Student Centre Dublin Belfield Campus
photos by Donal Murphy; courtesy of Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners

The design team was led by Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners, in partnership with Arup. Partner-in-Charge Aidan Kavanagh commented: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to collaborate with UCD students on the delivery of the Student Centre. This project is a prime example of what can be achieved when client and designer unite in pursuit of the same goals.”

UCD Student Centre Dublin UCD Student Centre University College Dublin University College Dublin Belfield Campus
photos by Donal Murphy; courtesy of FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

Project Architect Andrew Howley commented: “This is a complex, sophisticated building. We have worked hard to provide a fun, exciting space which contributes to the UCD student experience 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”

UCD Student Centre University College Dublin UCD Student Centre Dublin Belfield Campus UCD Student Centre University College Dublin
photos by Donal Murphy; courtesy of FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

About FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners is a Dublin-based architecture and project management studio, founded in 1996. The studio is led by Founders Aidan Kavanagh and Maurice Fitzgerald, with Partners Gerry Murphy, John Thomson and Colm Redmond.

The team is specialised in educational, residential and commercial architecture, and the office holds RIAI Grade I Conservation Architect status. Currently, Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners are developing a number of headquarter offices throughout Ireland and leading the restoration of St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford after extensive fire damage. The team is also pursuing postgraduate studies in fire safety, applied building conservation and project management.

UCD Student Centre University College Dublin images / information from FKP Architects – Fitzgerald Kavanagh + Partners

Location: UCD Student Centre, Wynnsward Drive within the University College Dublin campus, Co. Dublin

The address for the building:

The Student Centre
University College Dublin
Belfield
Dublin 4

Building location co-ordinates are 53.30792, -6.22805.

Location: Wynnsward Drive, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

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