Aberdare Hall, Women's dormitory in Cathays Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Aberdare Hall is a student residence in Cathays Park designed in the Gothic Revival style, containing more than 130 single rooms arranged in shared flat configurations across multiple floors. The building includes communal kitchens and meeting spaces for residents.
The building was designed by William Douglas Caroe and opened in 1895 to advance educational opportunities for women in Wales. This Grade II listed structure was part of an important movement to expand university access for women during the late 19th century.
The residence maintains its tradition as a women-only accommodation while integrating modern amenities and allowing male visitors and staff members within the premises.
Visitors should note the entrance on Corbett Road and plan to explore communal areas during regular daytime hours. The different-sized flat groupings across each floor mean the building's layout may feel complex at first, so taking time to orient yourself is worthwhile.
The building was designed by one of Wales' leading architects of the late 19th century and displays characteristic Gothic elements that make it a notable example of university architecture from that era. The design choices reflect how educational institutions used buildings as symbols of progress and change.
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