Traces of Peter Rice

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The Office of Public Works presents Traces of Peter Rice, an exhibition showcasing the work of the world-renowned Dublin-born engineer, Peter Rice (1935-1992), which is on view at Farmleigh Gallery until 22 December 2013. Visitors to this exhibition will recognise many of the iconic buildings that Peter Rice was involved with during his career at Arup Engineering: Centre Pompidou, Paris; the Menil Collection, Houston; and the Museum of Science and Industry at Parc de la Villette, Paris.

The exhibition was formally opened by Kieran Rice, President of RFR Group and son of Peter Rice, on 12 October at 2.30pm. Guest speaker was David O’Connor, County Manager at Fingal County Council who said that Peter Rice’s legacy “will be, and certainly deserves to be, increasingly recognised as a unique contribution of an exceptional Irishman on modern world architecture”.

Chairman of the OPW Clare McGrath said, “It gives me great pleasure to open the doors of Farmleigh Estate to this exhibition. OPW is very proud to be associated with such a worthwhile exhibition and educational programme of events, which I hope will inspire future generations of designers and be of interest to all visitors.”

Curated by Jennifer Greitschus, Head of Exhibitions at Arup, Traces of Peter Rice introduces the wider public to the life and work of one of the great engineers of the late 20th century. It consists of spectacular vintage photography, including work by renowned photo-journalist Marc Riboud, drawings, new and archival films and maquettes of important building designs. The exhibition arrives in Dublin following its successful debut at Arup Phase 2, London. On display, as part of the Dublin Exhibition, are a few key projects from RFR – the company that Peter Rice established in Paris in 1982, and some recently completed RFR projects in Ireland that illustrate the essential attributes of Peter Rice’s legacy namely collaboration, materiality and generosity of spirit. This exhibition will also include a series of workshops and projects on structural design and will provide opportunities for learning across primary, post-primary and third levels.