Portuguese company Sacyr Somague has completed the construction and delivered the new Ulster University Greater Belfast Campus in Northern Ireland.
Construction work kicked off in 2015 and was completed in time for the new academic year.
Built at a cost of at a cost of £363.9 mln (€411.7 mln), the 75,000 m2 campus includes five atriums, with 55,000 m2 of concrete and 22,000 m2 of glass, making it a luminous and open building.
One of the most singular spaces in campus is the rooftop garden, which even has trees which were included as part of Belfast City's urban reforestation plan and its commitment to sustainability.
The facilities include more than 300 learning spaces, 2 lecture theatres with 350 and 250 seats respectively, 18 elevators, a two-story library and private study sections which can accommodate up to 500 students, a biometric laboratory, nine catering outlets including a rooftop café.
This state-of-the-art building combines Victorian inspiration from local architecture and modern, using long-lasting materials, resulting in a sustainable building which can accommodate more than 15,000 university students and staff.
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter. It plays host to frequent fashion shows and art exhibitions and is also home to The Academy training restaurant.
As part of its commitment to the local community, Sacyr Somague Ireland has developed numerous initiatives to support the long-term unemployed and create internship opportunities for students.
The project was a finalist in the World Architecture Awards 2019.
