Five Cork entries in architecture awards

Cork is well represented at this year’s contest for Ireland’s favourite building.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) the Public Choice vote is open for Ireland’s favourite building, place or public space at its annual RIAI Irish Architecture Awards.

Now marking the 30th year of these architecture awards, this year’s Public Choice shortlist is made up of 41 projects across categories such as Adaption & Re-Use, Culture or Public Building, international, Learning, Living (Homes), Public Space, Well-Being and Workplace.

All of the projects on the shortlist have been designed by RIAI-registered architects, based in Ireland and overseas, and were completed in 2018. The shortlist includes entries from Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Tyrone and Wexford, as well as London and India.

Included within the shortlist are five entries from county Cork:

• The refurbishment of the former Cork Savings Bank for Cork University Business School, designed by Jack Coughlan Architects.

• Cork Criminal Courthouse, designed by OPW Architects, Wilson Architects, Bluett O'Donoghue.

• Sunday’s Well houses, designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey.

• Cavanagh Bridge at UCC, designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey.

• The expansion at Bon Secours Care Village, designed by O’Connell Mahon Architects.

David Browne, RIAI President said: “We received over 190 high quality award entries this year so our judging panel really had a challenge to narrow this down to a shortlist. The quality and diversity of entries received from across the country demonstrates how adding to the built environment has become a priority in the regions and how architecture is for everyone. We are encouraging everyone to get behind their favourite project, you only get one vote so use it wisely. Voting is available through the RIAI website.”

The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards, sponsored by Gerflor, will be announced tomorrow, 7 June.