Client: The Gallery was built for University College Cork to help students learn from art and to teach them how to express themselves or their ideas through different forms of art.

Architectural Firm: O'Donnell + Tuomey Architects was established in 1988, led by Sheila O'Donnell and John Tuomey. They specialize in understanding the brief and nature of the project which makes each of their buildings different and unique.

Similarities:

• Both buildings are integrated into their respective university campuses in a way that complements their surroundings. Whether it's the sleek, modern design of the CRID blending with the UCD campus or the more organic, harmonious architecture of the Glucksman Gallery within the UCC campus, both structures contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality of their environments.

• Their functions are vastly different but both buildings play a role in engaging with the community. The CRID conducts research on infectious diseases, which has implications for public health and community well-being. Similarly, the Glucksman Gallery hosts various cultural and educational events, fostering community engagement and enriching the cultural life of the university and surrounding areas.

Differences:

• There are many differences between these two buildings. One of them being their sizes. UCD's CRID is 1300m², while UCC Glucksman Gallery is 2300m². It's almost doubled its size

• While both buildings engage with their respective communities, they serve different functions.

  UCD's CRID engages with the scientific community, healthcare professionals, and policymakers through research collaborations, conferences, and knowledge sharing. While UCC's Glucksman Gallery engages with the public through art exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and community outreach programs focused on contemporary art and cultural education.

Overall both buildings serve vastly different functions from eachother as one performs for mainly It's functionality and the other performs on aesthetics.

The surrounding natural landscape of the UCC campus played a significant role in shaping the gallery's design. The architects integrated the building harmoniously with its environment, incorporating elements that blend in with the surrounding gardens and green spaces.

The existing architecture and atmosphere of the UCC campus also could have influenced the design of the Glucksman Gallery. They considered the campus's architectural style and historical context when creating the gallery, making sure that it would complement its surroundings while still standing out as a unique and contemporary structure.

Possible project of influence:

UCD Centre for Research into Infectious Disease (CRID)

• Both buildings were constructed around the same time and they served the same yet vastly different functions. That being used for students across the campus. A lot of O' Donnell + Tuomey's projects are educational based being campuses such as CEU Phase 1 in Budapest, Hungary and the London School of Economics Saw Swee Hock Student Centre in London, UK.

• Bibliography:

  https://odonnell-tuomey.ie/glucksman-gallery

  
  

  https://odonnell-tuomey.ie/ucd-crid

  
  

  https://odonnell-tuomey.ie/

» Material Considerations:

• Each of the building’s architectural components are differentiated through the use of contrasting materials. The steel frames of the galleries are wrapped in Angelim de Campagna timber (a sustainably-sourced hardwood) to blend in with its natural surroundings, while the window frames use galvanized steel to reduce the effects of weathering. “The interlocking planes of the upper façade sit on a concrete platform which is raised above the ground on piloti. The platform features dramatic cantilevers twelve meters deep which, Tuomey explained, “allowed us to place the galleries close up against the trees without damaging their roots.”

  
  

  
  

  » Environmental Considerations:

  
  

• O’ Donnell + Tuomey always considers the environment of the area they’re constructing on before putting a project to action. This may include finding locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions, as well as materials with low environmental impact and high durability.

• The Glucksman Gallery may also prioritize environmental education and awareness as part of its programming. Exhibitions, workshops, and events focused on sustainability and environmental issues can engage visitors and promote eco conscious behavior.

  
  

  
  

  » Energy Efficiency Considerations:

  
  

• The building utilizes passive design principles to maximize energy efficiency. This includes strategic placement of windows and skylights to use natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Energy efficient lighting fixtures are installed throughout the gallery. LED lighting, in particular, is used for its low energy consumption and long lifespan.

• UCC Glucksman Gallery also received a SEAI Sustainable Energy Award.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Bibliography:

  https://www.archdaily.com/795443/ad-classics-glucksman-gallery-cork-ireland-odonnell-tuomey

  
  

  https://www.glucksman.org/about/architecture

  
  

  https://odonnell-tuomey.ie/tags/seai-sustainable-energy-award
  

GOAL 7 - AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY:

The building utilizes large paneled windows as a gateway for natural sunlight to spread across the building instead of using lighting fixtures. If lighting fixtures were used they would be energy efficient lighting, in this case LEDs.

GOAL 11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES:

The gallery contributes to creating sustainable communities by providing a cultural hub for the university campus and surrounding area. It promotes community engagement through art exhibitions, workshops, and events, enhancing the quality of life and cultural vibrancy of the region.

GOAL 12 - RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION:

The gallery promotes responsible consumption and production practices through its exhibitions and programming focused on sustainability and environmental awareness. It encourages visitors to consider the environmental impact of their choices and lifestyle habits.

GOAL 13 - CLIMATE ACTION:

The gallery incorporates sustainable design features, such as passive design principles, energy-efficient lighting, and natural ventilation, to minimize its carbon footprint and mitigate climate change impacts. Additionally, its focus on environmental education and awareness raises awareness about climate issues and inspires action among visitors.

GOAL 15 - LIFE ON LAND:

The gallery's platform features dramatic cantilevers twelve meters deep which, Tuomey explained, “allowed us to place the galleries close up against the trees without damaging their roots.” Sustainable building practices can help protect and preserve terrestrial ecosystems by minimizing habitat destruction, reducing pollution, and conserving natural resources.

GOAL 17 - PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS:

The gallery collaborates with various stakeholders, including artists, educators, community organizations, and policymakers, to achieve its sustainability objectives. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, the gallery increases its impact and contributes to collective efforts towards sustainable development.

These are only a few UN Sustainable Development Goals that we think the construction and design of the UCC Glucksman Gallery contributes with. Each sustainable design feature carried out in the building helps make a positive impact in our sustainability goals and gives hope for our future.

• Bibliography:

17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Historical Context: Opened in the year 2004 on October fourteenth by President Mary McAleese. It was named after one of its founding donors, American financier and philanthropist Lewis Glucksman (glucksman.org)

Community: The Glucksman Gallery serves children in the Direct Provision program. It also serves children from rural schools through the Classroom Museum Program and the students of UCC.

Contextual Influences: The gallery was supposed to be a cultural and artistic place for UCC students. It was also supposed to connect all the other communities from outside the college and let them socialize in one peaceful place whilst also learn at the same time. The exterior of the building was made to match the site on which it sits.