UCD Health Sciences Building

MOLA Architecture designed the University College Dublin Health Sciences Complex to unite a wide range of disciplines within the College of Life Sciences, bringing together the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Diagnostic Imaging and Physiotherapy within one connected environment.

The design process was shaped by close collaboration with staff from across the disciplines, with a series of workshops ensuring that the laboratories and specialist spaces were both technically advanced and aligned with real clinical needs. The facilities provided include simulated hospital wards, clinical skills laboratories, a radiology suite, anatomy plastination and dissection spaces, an electrotherapy suite, a gym, a movement analysis laboratory and a wide range of general biology laboratories.

The arrangement of the complex was planned to encourage interaction between different disciplines while addressing the security and privacy required for specific processes. Space and natural light are maximised to create an atmosphere that is contemporary, fresh and supportive of the multidisciplinary collaboration that defines modern healthcare.

The project was delivered in three phases. Phase one introduced the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Diagnostic Imaging, designed to operate independently while allowing for future growth. Phase two added the School of Medicine, Faculty Offices and the Health Sciences Library, with all schools sharing access to lecture theatres, classrooms, teaching rooms, library and café. Phase three extended the campus to provide facilities for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, including drug and alcohol testing and training facilities for An Garda Síochána. This final phase connects seamlessly to the wider campus while functioning as a distinct entity funded directly by the Department of Transport.

MOLA also led the integration and pedestrianisation of the surrounding area, ensuring that the new complex is fully embedded into the life of the campus. The result is a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration, learning and innovation across healthcare education.