The University College of Dublin (UCD) have announced the finalists of its Future Campus – International Design Competition. The competition, centred around the University’s sixty-acre master plan and a new academic building, saw a total of 98 companies submit proposals which has now been whittled down to just six.

The University College of Dublin are set to share details of the masterplan and future of their campuses and estates at the Dublin Development Plans Conference in September.

The six chosen for the projects final shortlist are: John Ronan Architects, Diller Scofidio & Renfro, O’Donnell & Tourney, Steven Holl Architects, Studio Libeskind and UN Studio.

The University College of Dublin is the Republic of Ireland’s largest University – with over 30,000 students studying through the higher education institution. Founded in 1854 the University migrated to its current Belfield Campus in 1963 – which is primarily composed of four and five storey Brutalist structures within a landscaped setting. The campus is located on the edge of Dublin, just over two miles from the City Centre.

The vision for the future master plan will be a ‘highly-visible and welcoming entrance’ establishing an ‘urban design vision that values high-quality placemaking, architecture, and public realm.”

The new academic building, The Centre for Creative Design, is set for a 90,000 sq ft site.

Prof Andrew J. Deeks, President of University College Dublin said the competition process will enable ”a design that will become an icon for the University – representing our vision to create something extraordinary and brilliant.”

The competition will be announced in August – and we’ll be hearing about those exciting plans a few weeks later at the Dublin Development Plans Conference. Join us there!