Women's Tec Part 1 Project 2022 Conor Joseph Quinn Ulster University | UK This project seeks to contribute to the education of women in STEM as an extension to the existing Women’s Tec located in North Belfast. Inspired by the philosophy of Women’s Tec and a growing knowledge of feminist architecture, this project aspires to create spaces that support vulnerable women, refugees and those seeking employment in STEM, a traditionally male dominated industry. Empowering people with technical and creative skill in a light-filled and inspiring environment which promotes social interaction, connects to its context, embraces the street threshold while maintaining its sensitivity to vulnerable users is the thesis of this project.The principal triple height workshop space, flooded with natural light facilitates dynamic visual connections throughout the building. It’s important to ensure vulnerable or at-risk women feel safe here and so the architecture creates opportunities to engage with the public aspects of the building or maintain a more discreet presence while using the facilities. The use of the shading colonnade wrapped around the south & west facades creates a safe raised relationship to the street and an opportunity to circulate the building externally with the use of hidden roof gardens that encourage reflection and informal socialising, alongside views across key landmarks of Belfast. Tutor(s) Aoife McGee