Pálás Cinema, designed by architect Tom de Paor, and just opened last week, has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious International World Architecture Festival Awards (WAN ) which will take place in Amsterdam this November.
The categories in which it is nominated are Culture- Completed Buildings and Use of Colour. The World Architecture Festival is dedicated to celebrating, sharing and inspiring outstanding architecture. It is the only architecture event where keynote talks from the industry’s most influential figures sit alongside live judging presentations from over 500 award finalists, plus global networking and an international product exhibition.
On hearing about the nomination, Tom De Paor said that it is an honour that the building has been recognised.
“It is lovely that Pálás has been recognised by the the International World Architecture Festival Awards. This is a compliment to Galway and the many who worked to achieve the building,” he said.
Element Cinema director Andrew Lowe who operate the Palas on a long term lease, said they are very happy with the news.
“We are so delighted for Tom De Paor that his work on the stunning Pálás has been shortlisted by such a significant international architectural award.
“It is testimony to his talent and singular vision that his work, and that of the design and construction team has been recognised in this way.
“Galway is starting to get to know this most unique and iconic building and it is a very proud day for us all that this jewel in the crown of Europe’s Capital of Culture 2020 is being featured on such a high profile international architectural stage,” he said.
Pálás is a new three screen arthouse cinema and cultural space. Designed by Mr de Paor, it is is a seven-story concrete monolith, housing a three-screen independent cinema, a beautiful bar and restaurant for you to enjoy with your fellow film-lovers. It occupies the garden of a reinstated 1820s merchant house.
Throughout the building you will discover 22 colorful resin-coated windows designed by Irish artist Patrick Scott.
“Pálás is a specialist cinema committed to programming the best Irish and international films. Its eclectic schedule includes feature films, shorts, classics, foreign language and animated films, feature length documentaries, inventive special events and festivals.
“Our core specialist programme sometimes crosses over into mainstream cinema when we believe that the film or its talent (writer, director, cast ) are of particular interest to our audience. The films we select serve to challenge our audience and encourage engagement with current aesthetic, political, social and cultural issues and trends,” said a spokesperson.
