University College Dublin - O'Reilly Hall

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Projects 1990 - 1994
16 of 16



1992 - 1994
Belfield, Dublin 4

Client
National University of Ireland Dublin
Area
3500 sq.m

Awards
Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland / Selected for Exhibition
1995



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The Challenge

University College Dublin is the largest university in the republic of Ireland. Originally located in Dublin city centre, it was decided in the 1960s to relocate to Belfield and create a modern campus university. By the 1990s the need was recognized for an ‘aula maxima’ as a home for conferring, alumni events and general conference. A lakeside site was chosen and a limited architectural competition held. 

The Building

The classical 8 bay colonnade of the main facade reflects the ceremonial function of the building. The fully glazed concourse reception provides access to the main hall, which is capable of three subdivisions, designed to suit a range of gathering sizes. The south facing lawn has become a favourite gathering place for students, and the building become a familiar and much loved backdrop to university life.  

The Details

Specially commissioned art is an integral part of the architecture. Within the main hall 10 impressive paintings by leading Irish artists are detailed into the oak panelled walls. All are identical in size and a variable of the building's module. A full height woven tapestry by Patrick Scott hangs in the glazed concourse and is enjoyed within the building, and from afar.