This project is the second phase of a major University of Galway initiative to increase student housing on campus. The project provides 674 bed spaces across 125 apartments. The scheme is arranged in 4 blocks varying from 6 to 8 Stories in height arranged around a series of landscaped courtyards, circulation spaces and is connected to the Masterplan Route for the University.
One of the main challenges that faced the design & client team from the outset of the project was how we might resolve the proposed development and its close proximity to the River Corrib SAC and the adjacent mixed grassland habitat, similar to that seen in the Burren. It was proposed to create a transitional landscape that responds to the existing environs by integrating the adjoining vegetation and habitats into the landscape proposals where appropriate. This was achieved by introducing a series of rectilinear panels along the central pedestrian boulevard that emanate from the adjacent grassland, decreasing in density and scale as they approach the masterplan route to the south. The soil conditions, planting specification and management regime were tailored in conjunction with the team ecologist and the UG Applied Ecology Unit to replicate the existing site conditions and allow a similar grassland habitat to develop within the new landscape scheme. The central boulevard also doubles as the primary fire tender route for the development which has constrained each of the panels to accommodate vehicular traffic when called upon.
The two courtyards, similar in scale, share the same design principles. Simple lawns set in a formal frame are overlaid with an arrangement of linear bespoke benches and chess tables positioned in panels of exposed aggregate concrete. At the northeastern corner of each courtyard the levels are subtly recessed to reveal an arrangement of bleacher style seating that is positioned to take full advantage of mid afternoon and evening sun and to offer an alternative outdoor study & learning space. Pollinator friendly buffer planting protects the ground floor apartments and provides an apron of green around the extent of each block. Gentle geometric mounding also enhances the enclosure and adds height, along with tree planting. The two northern panels are also used as local attenuation areas, with the planting associated with the damp habitats, enhancing biodiversity.
Moving from north to south, the rhythm of contrasting paving bands increase intensity on approach to the Masterplan Route. A shared surface encompasses a vehicular route for Coach / Bus drop-off, and universal parking. The shared surface has been designed following the best practice guidelines set out by DMURS. A combination of varying textured unit paving, carefully placed furniture and tree planting works to highlight pedestrian priority, cycling and decrease traffic speeds. This portion of the route serves to connect the park and ride facility to the northwest with the existing Masterplan Route that runs along the north face of the Biomedical Sciences Building and into the new Phase 1 student accommodation (‘Goldcrest’). The route is punctuated with a space for active use, animating this part of the route and announcing the proposed scheme.
The Live Experiment
In June 2023 a combined team from the University of Galway, MKO and Mitchell Associates visited the site to review the grassland habitat and to devise a strategy for collecting, storing and sowing the seed. It was agreed that the process would be undertaken as a live ongoing experiment that will provide a variety of growing conditions in order to assess the viability of such an exercise for future projects around the university.