Medical, Nursing, Therapies & Creche Complex, University College Cork

University College Cork's new Medical, Nursing, Therapies and Cr?che Complex is located on the site of the existing 19th Century Brookfield House. The complex is designed as a world class learning environment to provide a centralised teaching facility for the schools of medicine, nursing and clinical therapies.

A pavilion style cr?che is set in its own micro landscape to provide a safe and secure environment for children. The identity and culture of each school is reflected in the creation of visually identifiable building elements. The three schools are arranged around the restored Brookfield House, which acts as a central "hub" for the entire complex. All joint functions such as faculty offices and
meeting rooms are located at Brookfield House.

The architects have adopted a sympathetic design approach and successfully retained the visual prominence of the house in its
original setting. The central location of Brookfield House also informs the design on a practical and symbolic level. A naturally ventilated atrium acts as an organising element by linking the schools, the library and a restaurant. This generates a forum where staff, students and the public can interact. It also functions as the main circulation and orientation route throughout
the building.

The design strategy for the complex, focuses on creating energy efficient, sustainable buildings that exploit both natural light and
ventilation.