The Engineering Building, National University of Ireland (NUI ) Galway, designed by Taylor Architects/RMJM, has been voted Ireland’s favourite new building. Engineering Building, NUI Galway, was the Public Choice in this year’s RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2012, which were announced recently at the RIAI annual awards ceremony. A total of fourteen projects received awards.
It was also a winner in the Category ‘Best Sustainable Project’. The concept of the Engineering Building, NUI Galway as a living laboratory was conceived in the course of this intense collaborative process.
The building is an engineer’s dream in so many ways. The exposed construction techniques, the research facilities, the architecture, the ecological ideas that have been incorporated – all these elements have resulted in a facility which is a landmark building.
Another local project recognised at the awards was The Old House / New House, Clostoken, Loughrea designed by Donoghue Corbett Architects, which was commended in Category Best House Extension.
The Public Choice Award is set up to raise awareness of architecture in Ireland. Since the shortlist of 34 projects was announced two weeks ago, the RIAI has received over 12,500+ votes, 42.76 per cent of which went to the Engineering Building NUI Galway. Other projects which came close to clinching the prestigious award were The Lir Academy Smith + Kennedy Architects and House on Mount Anville by Aughey O'Flaherty Architects.
Michelle Fagan, president of the RIAI, commented, “The continuing interest in the Public Choice Award shows that architecture is for everyone. The importance of good design on even the smallest of projects can have a significant impact and can create something beyond the client’s expectations. The buildings that have been recognised through the Architecture Awards prove that architecture can deliver something that is not only functional and beautiful but also add real value. This is why the role of an architect is so crucial to every single building project.”
Eddie Conroy, Chairperson of the Judging Panel, said, “Despite a continuing decline in construction output, this year 120 entries were received with 34 projects being short-listed. No two projects are ever the same and this reflects the continuing strong diversity we see within Irish architecture. This year’s entries clearly demonstrate the prevailing excellence of Irish architects working at all scales and in a variety of contexts – from accomplished school extensions to landmark civic offices and internationally acclaimed cultural institutions.”
Fagan added, “Creating a building is an extremely complex process and so many parties are involved in delivering it from the client to builders to subcontractors and health and safety as well as managing planning and environmental regulations. Architects are the only professionals who can bring all these strands together and deliver a result. It is their ability to do this skilfully as well as design beautiful buildings that we are celebrating tonight.”
