University College Dublin - Conway Institute

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Labs, Research & Technology Projects
12 of 16



1999 - 2003
Belfield, Dublin 4

Client
National University of Ireland Dublin
Area
12,697 sq.m



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The Challenge

The Conway Institute was established as an international centre of excellence in bio-science. 10,000m2 of life science research was envisaged on the campus site. Scott Tallon Walker Architects proposed to build the Conway as an extension to the existing Biotechnology Building (designed previously by the practice in 1991). This bold concept solved numerous logistical and security issues and offered an ideal solution to many aspects of the brief. 

The Building

Conway illustrates advanced architectural and scientific thinking, flexible open plan labs are supported by a core of supported spaces, columns are removed to the exterior to avoid disrupting the bench space. Write-up and office space are in the spine, separated to encourage interaction among researchers of different disciplines and good practice in laboratory Health and Safety. 

The Details

The Conway gave an opportunity to further develop the practice’s philosophy on servicing complex buildings. All air intakes are at low level and exhaust is high. Localised AHU plant is tacked in open floored towers in the gables of the building, while core area special servicing comes from the roof. Conway remains a European benchmark in bio-science laboratory design.