Technological University Dublin

In 2014, Theatreplan were approached to help the team to design this new campus building. TU Dublin wanted their programmes and facilities to be centred in one complex, to have an interdisciplinary space where they could achieve their goal of a creating innovative art and design, which would help people and society see the world in new and different ways.

Following a very thorough period of engagement with user groups and client technical advisers, the Sisk / FCC Joint Venture secured the project and were contracted continued with the scheme design, with Theatreplan working alongside.

Our design scope covered venue and auditorium planning along with technical systems design, focusing on the principle performing arts spaces (Performance Hall, Recital Hall, Black Box Theatre, TV Studio), but also covered recording studios, video edit booths, practice rooms, store rooms and other supporting spaces. This included seating and sightlines, stage engineering, lighting, sound and AV. The rooms provide a safe and accessible working environment, designed to be as approachable as possible for young artists. The venues are linked with infrastructure to support recording, broadcast and archival of performances to encourage cross department collaboration.

With a diverse range of users, each with their own (often competing) requirements, part of our role as specialist designers was to guide the client team through the challenges and possible solutions of these complex spaces. It was important that the user consultation continued throughout the periods of detailed design and construction, so the client team have a sense of ownership of the facility from the minute they begin to use and experience the finished building.

Images by AHR Architects and Tom Coakley.