Architectural Design Contest for the FOCAS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman

Description

This open two stage architectural competition is designed to enable selection of an architect led team to design and deliver a new building for Technological University Dublin’s (TU Dublin) FOCAS Research Institute. The first stage of the Competition is open to Architects, with no need to name a full team. TU Dublin’s FOCAS Research Institute, originally Facility for Optical Characterisation and Spectroscopy is to be relocated from its present location at Dublin’s south inner city to the City Campus, Grangegorman. This c.4,500m2 development will consolidate an emerging Research and Innovation Hub at a central location within the Grangegorman campus. The objective of the project is to develop an enduring, adaptable, and environmentally responsible building that is reflective of the progressive ethos of TU Dublin, its staff, students and its research programmes. The project further advances the rejuvenation of the Grangegorman site, as envisioned by the award-winning Grangegorman Masterplan. The Competition forms part of a wide range of procurement strategies and presents an opportunity to reward quality design sensibilities, which will also contribute to the multi-phased development at Grangegorman. The Grangegorman project seeks to create an inclusive education and healthcare campus, while revealing a vibrant piece of the city, in a way that is sensitive to its context. The project to date represents the largest ever State investment in higher education infrastructure in Ireland. The GDA is seeking entries from architects of all backgrounds. The Competition will be judged anonymously at Stage I and II, registration is a pre-requisite to submitting a valid Stage I submission. A unique identification code will be issued to all Entrants who have successfully registered.