AAI Site Visit: O’ Donnell + Tuomey Architects – UCC Student Hub

The New Student Hub Building at University College Cork provides a new coherent home which centralises student activities and services currently spread across 25 different campus locations. The brief and building organisation aim to achieve cross promotion of student services, creating a hub for student activities, a sense of ownership and identity that reduces mobility problems and facilitates an efficient enjoyable service for students.

The site has a key location at the convergence of the network of routes through the Historic Campus. The proposal is designed to embody the dynamic character of a contemporary Student University Building while respecting the particular historic context of UCC.

• A large canopy signals the entrance and provides a new covered external space for the University
• A new stone “arm” encloses a welcoming Market Hall, an active space where all life happens.
• Bridges and balconies crisscross and flank the Market Hall, activating and animating this student led technology enabled adaptable space.
• A light filled structure, raised above the Market Hall, a new University landmark, showcases UCC at the forefront of innovation.
• Landscaped courtyards provide  new informal settings to facilitate student led activities.

The design is carefully assembled to make one coherent proposal from a complex set of interdependent component parts. Analysis of the context and a close working relationship with the University in establishing the brief for the building has uniquely influenced the design approach.

http://odonnell-tuomey.ie/ucc-hub