Centre for Climate, the Environment and Chronology for Queens University of Belfast
The project involves provision of a 3 storey new build facility to link into the existing faculty building on a sloping urban site. Accommodation includes specialist laboratories for carbon dating analysis, support facilities, teaching classrooms and postgraduate research offices. A new entrance and reception hall adjoins the staff facilities, leading onto a feature staircase flanked by two full height flanking walls.
The stair links the new buildings at a change of level in the site. The palette of materials and their planar ensemble reflects the operation of the users that of research into geological and historical strata.
The development will enhance the range of services and expertise of the University, and this state-of-the-art facility will allow the University to further increase its standing throughout the world. The development extends to c1250sqm on three floors and the location adjacent to the existing Palaeocology building is designed to provide a shared entrance and central reception area to bring the Centre together as a single entity.