The project involved the complete transformation of a redundant basement area within the 1970s extension to 123 St. Stephens Green. RCSI’s had a vision to provide a new main restaurant for the college, a cafe and all associated back of house kitchens and storage. A new feature staircase, breaks through to the lower level from the main lecture theatre concourse and brings students and visitors into the heart of the space from where the various facilities can be accessed.
The new connection between the basement and the rest of the campus resulted in an reinvigorated, lively and welcoming entry point. The cafe is located facing onto to the newly landscaped outdoor moat, taking full advantage of the enlarged windows broken out on the south facing facade. The main restaurant servery area with full catering kitchens are positioned deeper into the plan where it becomes a destination, driving movement through the space. Collaboration between all key team members was crucial to the project success. The design team of HJL, Linesight, Axiseng, Goldsmith Engineering and Fitzsimons Doyle & Associates all collaborated with Flynn to ensure RCSI’s vision was met and more.
