Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway
Reddy A+U have developed a dedicated post graduate Social Sciences Research building annexed to the existing James Hardiman Library Building at NUI Galway. The four storey facility creates a new main entrance atrium link to the existing undergraduate and new post graduate facility. The project also includes external improvement and landscaping works, improvements to the podium and historic fabric of the buildings and full service co-
The overarching project had a wide ranging and complex brief. The key tenet was to improve accessibility and provide a physical connection between existing and proposed buildings in one of the busiest areas on the NUIG Campus. The project also involved the refurbishment of part of the existing James Hardiman Library and associated podium which are both protected structures and as a result the site required close negotiation with planning authorities.
Sensitivity was required in the refurbishment of the protected structures throughout the design process. The existing cladding of the original building needed to be replaced and upgraded as part of the works, and Reddy A+U collaborated with specialist conservation consultants and the Local Authority’s Heritage Officer to achieve a finish that was sensitive to its context.
The design of the new extension is sympathetic in scale and proportion to the existing building whilst meeting the demanding requirements of the clients brief. It improves pedestrian flow within the overall complex of buildings and provides much needed reading student accommodation to the University.
The existing external spaces have been revitalised and incorporate external seating for students to sit, study and socialise. The new facility contributes two levels of reading rooms, special collections rooms, offices, café, seminar and teaching rooms, dedicated archive storage rooms and associated support accommodation to the university.
