Architecture awards showcase new Cork projects

A number of different Cork projects and Cork architects won big at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Irish Architecture Awards recently. Among the projects were the new courthouse and the new pedestrian bridge at UCC.

Now in its 30th year, the RIAI announced 22 winners across 14 categories with five Cork projects honoured at a ceremony at the Mansion House last week.

The Wellbeing award was won by O’Connell Mahon Architects for the expansion at Bon Secours Care Village. Dublin-based O’Donnell + Tuomey won a Living award for the Sunday’s Well Houses as well as the Public Space award for the Cavanagh Bridge, UCC.

For their work on Cork Criminal Courthouse DLR Architects, OPW Architects, Wilson Architecture (Cork) and Bluett O’Donoghue picked up the Innovation award. Simply Architecture won the Future Award for best new emerging practice.

Speaking of the win Gareth Sullivan, who set up the practice in 2009, said: “It is a fantastic endorsement of our work and is particularly satisfying as it is not based on only one project but acknowledges a selection of work completed over several years.”

Speaking at the ceremony David Browne, RIAI President said: “The winning projects demonstrate the tremendous work being done throughout the country with representation from multiple counties as well as abroad. Each award winner tonight has shown the utmost commitment in contributing to their category whether it be in housing, education, healthcare, public spaces or workplaces. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our winners on their success this evening.”