Ulster University, Belfast Campus

The University of Ulster Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter. Although predominantly associated with art, the campus spans an increasing range of subjects including architecture, hospitality, event management, photography and digital animation. The vibrant campus plays host to frequent fashion shows and art exhibitions.

To cater for its ever-increasing student population the campus needed to be reconfigured, refurbished and extended (providing 17,000m2 of studios, teaching and support spaces in the first two phases). Working in closely with various user groups, a low energy design was developed which maximised flexibility and openness, encouraging interaction between students.

The external fabric combines glazed screens and opaque panels in limestone, bronze and aluminium, carefully articulated in an informal pattern. Solar shading to the south and east elevations provides further layering and offers passive ventilation. The nature of the site and its progressive development phasing required careful consideration to minimise disruption, with not one teaching day being lost throughout the duration of the building contract.

The scheme won a plethora od accolades including a UK Retrofit Award, Irish Architecture Award and CEF Construction Excellence Award.

The building is being incorporated within the University’s wider Belfast campus redevelopment which completed in 2021.