Steven Holl Architects Wins UCD Future Campus Competition in Dublin

Steven Holl Architects has emerged victorious in a two-phase global competition to create the Entrance Precinct Masterplan and Center for Creative Design (CCD) at University College Dublin (UCD). This 23.8-hectare Belfield campus, initially crafted by Polish architect Andrzej Wejchert in 1963, will see the introduction of a new iconic CCD, inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Giant's Causeway. The design incorporates prismatic shapes, a plaza, a reflecting pool, and two vertical elements tilted at 23° to enhance natural illumination. The auditorium's form draws from UCD's dodecahedral water tower. The masterplan will establish a pedestrian axis alongside the existing one, forming an H-shaped layout with canopies to expand solar connector space. The jury, led by Andrew J Deeks and including notable figures like Sir David Adjaye, awarded €40,000 to each of the five other finalists: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Studio Libeskind, UNStudio, John Ronan Architects, and O'Donnell + Tuomey. This initiative aims to elevate UCD's profile as a vibrant educational center, promote community engagement, emphasize creativity and sustainability, and strengthen ties between the campus and the city.