Proposal

RMJM is to design the National University of Ireland, Galway’s new ¤53 million (Ł36 million) engineering school. The development recently got the go-ahead following an announcement by the Irish Government of a ¤1 billion investment programme for third-level institutions and is the University’s largest capital project to date.

The new 14,000m2 building will unite the University’s five engineering departments – Civil, Electronic, Industrial, Engineering Hydrology and Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering – which are currently located at 13 different locations over the campus and beyond. The new development will house undergraduate and postgraduate facilities for nearly 1,500 students including engineering laboratories, research facilities, workshops, computer suites and lecture rooms.

Planning and Projects Officer at the University, Greg Power commented: "Locations for great works of public architecture are few and far between, and those in a position to commission such work have an enormous responsibility to make something truly significant. The University relishes the opportunity to work with architects of such stature as RMJM and Taylor Architects to create a fitting salute to the inspiring history of engineering in Galway.

"The new facility will be a landmark building, respectful of its unique riverside setting on the main approach into Galway and one which will continue to inspire students in engineering for generations to come. It will copper-fasten NUI, Galway as one of the leading international institutes for engineering sciences."

Proposal

RMJM teamed up with Taylor Architects – a 30-strong, leading firm of architects and interior designers based in County Mayo - to win the commission in March 2005. It is RMJM’s second commission for the University in the last two years. In 2004, RMJM and Taylor Architects were appointed to design a new ¤5 million cultural hub for the NUI, Galway which will feature a series of informal social and specialist arts spaces allowing greater flexibility and experimentation between a broad range of film, music, drama and other creative arts activities.

RMJM Director in charge of the project, Gordon Hood said: "We are delighted that the project has secured the necessary funding and we can start designing and delivering a state-of-the-art facility for the engineers of the future. We are particularly pleased to be working with the University on this prestigious project on a wonderful waterfront site on the Campus. We believe that the opportunities to create a stimulating learning and research environment which adds value to the School of Engineering's vision for the future are significant."

It is expected that 40% of the School of Engineering will be funded by central government with additional significant funds contributed by private donors and the balance covered from the University’s own resources. The project was set in motion as soon as the funding announcement was made, and is scheduled for completion in 2009.