University College Cork School of Pharmacy
The Cavanagh School of Pharmacy co-locates teaching facilities for the Department of Pharmacy with an advanced Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF). For our university client, the development of a centre of excellence in pharmaceutical teaching and research is a natural response to the internationally significant industrial cluster in nearby Cork Harbour. The harbour is home to over 100 pharmaceutical companies, including 8 of the 10 largest firms in the world. The new building includes an industry suite to facilitate partnerships with industry, ranging from startups to multinationals.
Architecture
The design of the building responds to its steeply sloping site, which drops by a full floor from south to north. Undergraduate facilities are located on the lower two levels with research facilities requiring greater security on the upper two floors.
A central atrium visually connects all four floors and creates a busy link to the existing science buildings on the site. The south façade addressing the public street is enhanced by planted brise-soleil boxes, helping to mediate the transition between the university campus and its surrounding residential context.
Specialist research laboratories for the ABCRF and associated research teams include: Biochemistry, Analytical and BioAnalytical Chemistry and Synthetic (Organic, Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, BioInorganic) Chemistry. Specialist equipment includes Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and a dedicated Solid State Pharmaceuticals laboratory.
Central facilities such as cold rooms, utility areas, board room and office accommodation are shared to encourage interaction and collaboration between various research teams.
