Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s design for the UCD Future Campus heightens the campus’ existing pastoral setting to create a dynamic weave between buildings and nature. The campus’ woodland walks are connected to form a public park around the campus. Their manicured landscapes are ‘re-wilded’ and drawn deep into the campus in a series of green promontories that alternate with academic plazas. The plazas signify UCD’s shift away from a campus of linear walks towards one of urban squares, each of which is anchored by a heritage structure.

Located at the base of the central plaza, the Centre for Creative Design intertwines workspace facilities for the school of architecture and engineering into a communal spiral of program. A sweeping timber roof covers the lofty spaces, beginning as an expansive protected outdoor commons for the entire university and ending in a dramatic event space overlooking the main entrance with views to the Dublin Bay beyond.