Giant’s Causeway inspires building at University College Dublin

University College Dublin has announced plans for a major new building inspired in part by the Giant’s Causeway.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the causeway consists of interlocking basalt columns created by volcanic activity some 60 million years ago on the coast of County Antrim.

Its geological forms will be clearly referenced in UCD’s new landmark 8,000-square metre Centre for Creative Design, which will be located near the entrance to the campus and surrounded by a plaza and reflecting pool.

The building was the winning design in the UCD Future Campus architectural competition. It was submitted by Steven Holl Architects (SHA), an acclaimed practice based in New York and Beijing.

Interaction between the €48 million (£43 million) centre and rest of UCD will be encouraged by glass walls allowing those outside to see the studio and classroom spaces inside. The university hopes that the building will become “a new Dublin landmark”.

matthew.reisz@timeshighereducation.com