26 York Street, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

26 York Street in Dublin’s City Centre, is the largest and most technically advanced learning facility of its kind in Europe. The design builds on 200 years of excellence and innovation in medical training providing a unique reason for students to study with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The new building underpins the College’s historic presence on St. Stephen’s Green complementing and extending the existing city campus. The brief demanded a highly complex programme of spaces on a compact urban site including technically advanced simulated environments for clinical and surgical training as well as a new library, auditorium and sports facility. The ten story 11,155m2 building negotiates planning height constraints in the historic city core by incorporating four basement levels to accommodate the client’s brief. Two separate atria provide clarity of orientation and spatial organisation, while themes of transparency, openness and collaboration contribute to a redefinition of the traditional boundaries of the library. The resultant spatial variety supports the diverse demands of healthcare education while encouraging social interaction and promoting the human skills required to be an excellent medical practitioner. Materials were chosen for robustness and visual congruity. Polished terrazzo is common to circulation spaces tying the floors together and drawing light deep into the plan. Exposed concrete in various finishes reveals the structural anatomy of the building. Colour and texture is introduced to differentiate between key functions and provide a clear wayfinding strategy. The overall composition fuses precise and clinical detailing with a comfortable and inviting spatial environment to enhance the educational experience. The building has a transformational impact on the streetscape. The transparency and openness of the ground floor invites interaction with the upgraded public realm. The ceramic fritted glass of the upper floors reflects north light into the street and produces a distinctive representation of the character and spirit of the College in the 21st Century. The building caters for a diverse group of people with distinct requirements of culture, religion, individuality and ability. The principles of universal design were incorporated from the outset, with the design going beyond simple regulatory compliance to provide a truly inclusive experience for students and staff alike. The sustainable design approach impacted decisions at every scale of the building from overall energy strategy, facade design and materiality to how the facility will be used and maintained during its intended design life. The LEED method of assessment was chosen to provide a framework for the incorporation of sustainable design features, with the building on course to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The project was delivered on programme and to budget in time for a soft opening for the 2017 academic year following 30 months of construction. 26 York Street incorporates a complex and diverse series of spaces including the following: Gym / Sports Facilities Sports Hall (Which Doubles as Exam Hall) / Changing Facilities 540 Seater Auditorium 12 Tutorial Rooms Out Patient & In Patient Rooms Task Training Spaces Simulation Laboratories PC Laboratories Full Library & Study Facilities Prayer Rooms Cafe & Catering Facilities.