Structural Steel Design Award for University of Ulster

BDP has been awarded a Commendation for the high standard of design achieved on the University of Ulster Belfast Campus at the 40^th Annual Structural Steel Design Awards in London 8 July.

One of only two projects in Ireland shortlisted for this year’s awards, the £23M Belfast Campus project was completed and handed over in June, having been on site since January 2005.

BDP was appointed as Structural Engineer and Building Services Engineer in September 2003 for the project, comprising the major refurbishment and new extension of the School of Art and Design on the existing Belfast Campus.

The new 16,000m² building provides state-of-the-art facilities including a 220-seat lecture theatre, multifunction lecture and display areas, learning resource centre, CAD suite, teaching rooms, studios and workshops. The creation of the new facility is an important investment for the University and marks a special contribution to the regeneration of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

The objectives of the Structural Steel Design Awards are “..to recognise the high standards of structural and architectural design attainable in the use of steel and its potential in terms of efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics and innovation”.

The judges commented: “This neatly engineered and constructed project forms an extension and recladding of a 1960s concrete building. The steelwork structure with hollow-core floors compared favourably with many alternatives, assessed against 12 parameters, crucially including safety. A shining example of steelwork’s economic case, and a credit to all concerned”.

Competition included several high profile London projects such as the O₂ Arena, T5 Heathrow, Unilever House and the National tennis Centre.