2016 RIAI Irish Architecture Awards shortlist announced

The People’s Park Dun Laoghaire; GPO ‘Witness History’ experience; Faaborg Swimming Platform in Denmark and the Arena for Learning UTEC University in Lima, are among the 50 plus projects shortlisted for this year’s RIAI Irish Architecture Awards, which were announced today by The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. The list also includes Aldi Terenure; Humewood Castle; Westport Firestation and the Dublin Port Diving Bell.

Now in its ninth year, the popular RIAI Public Choice Award gives the public the opportunity to have their say by voting for their favourite shortlisted project, which has the honour of being named Ireland’s favourite building 2016. From today, the RIAI encourages the public to vote for their favourite building online on www.irisharchitectureawards.ie or through the RIAI Facebook page.

This year’s awards received 180 entries – the highest in five years – across 17 categories with 52 shortlisted in best commercial, best educational and best health building, best house, best housing and best house extension, best public building, best cultural project, best leisure, best public space/urban design, best international project, best sustainable project, best conservation, and best universal design. There is also a new award for best fit-out and awards for best research and for the best emerging practice. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Friday, 24th June.

Speaking at the announcement of the shortlist, Carole Pollard, President, RIAI, commented: “The 27th RIAI awards showcase current Irish Architecture and it is exciting to see the new and diverse range of projects in this year’s shortlist. From domestic projects to international buildings like the ‘Arena for Learning’ at UTEC University, Lima – these awards celebrate Ireland’s architectural excellence and the creative individuals behind them. Investment in architecture is of multi-generational benefit and delivers long-term value across residential, educational, commercial and public architecture. We would call on design lovers to celebrate the quality of Irish architecture and vote for their favourite.”

We are honoured, once again, to profile this year’s diverse shortlisted projects from across Ireland. We have such a range from Cultural projects like 5CUBE and Dublin Port Diving Bell to the men’s retail store Castle & Drury and Luna Restaurant entered for the new fit-out award. The entries continue to highlight the unique architectural excellence and home-grown talent that Ireland possesses. Architects add value by integrating innovative design solutions with a wide range of concerns, from our business and public buildings to our homes; saving clients’ time and money in the process. The result of which is the inspiring entries in this year’s RIAI Irish Architecture awards.”

Chair of the Jury, Robin Mandal added: “This year we are delighted to see Irish architecture being celebrated at home and abroad. We have over 50 projects shortlisted which highlights the quality, geographic spread and the diversity of submissions.”