University College Dublin (UCD) and Malcolm Reading Consultants have announced the finalists for an international campus redesign competition. Six teams—four of which are based in the United States—were selected from a pool of 98 entrants from 28 countries. The shortlisted teams will now have approximately 10 weeks to create a scheme for a new campus gateway and an 86,000-square-foot building called the Centre for Creative Design, estimated to cost $60 million.
The shortlist includes:
- Diller Scofidio + Renfro (USA)
- John Ronan Architects (USA)
- O’Donnell + Tuomey (Ireland)
- Steven Holl Architects (USA)
- Studio Libeskind (USA)
- UNStudio (Netherlands)
The project will expand the institution's physical presence in Ireland’s capital. “In holding this competition, we are seeking a design that will become an icon for the University–representing our vision to create something extraordinary and brilliant,” said UCD professor Andrew J. Deeks, who served as the jury chair, in a statement.
The four shortlisted American teams all bring a wealth of experience to the table. Diller Scofidio + Renfro has designed buildings for Columbia University, Brown University, and the University of California, Berkeley, and was selected last year to create a concept for the new Centre for Music in London; John Ronan Architects designed the Erie Elementary Charter School and South Shore International College Prep High School in Chicago; Steven Holl Architects has recently completed new arts buildings at Virginia Commonwealth University, Princeton University, and the University of Iowa; and Studio Libeskind designed Canada’s striking National Holocaust Monument.
Each international firm must partner with an Irish executive team for the second round. The winner is expected to be announced in August.