Anu Research Centre, Cork University Maternity Hospital

Client	University College Cork (UCC)

The Anu Research Centre at Cork University Maternity Hospital occupies the majority of the top floor of the building and was developed by University College Cork in partnership with the Health Service Executive who manage the Maternity Hospital and the overall Cork University Hospital complex. The unit is the first purpose-built integrated research and clinical centre in human reproduction in Ireland.

The unit was erected as a roof-level extension of the Maternity Hospital and required a fast-track approach to the project development in order to allow it’s incorporation into the works package already commenced on site at the time for the Maternity Hospital itself. Facilities provided in the unit include extensive research and training laboratories, general teaching areas, meeting areas, offices and other support accommodation.

Developments in Information and Communications Technology were carefully addressed, with all research, lecture and laboratory areas integrated into systems for the overall hospital, and with connections to the operating theatres to provide live audio visual links to medical consultants in other parts of the hospital or elsewhere in the world.

The design of the unit responds to the particular circumstances of its location. Glazing on the external façade is extensive and open where views out over the surrounding landscape are available, but is controlled in projecting, angled feature windows at areas where overlooking back into the adjacent buildings would compromise patient privacy. The language of the external façade is also adapted, with set-backs and changes in material, to allow the unit to be identified as a particular component of the overall building