Irish Georgian Society launches architectural conservation award

logo_dddaToday the Irish Georgian Society announced a new conservation awards scheme to celebrate Ireland’s built heritage and to mark the importance of the conservation work being done by its architects. In marking its launch Desmond FitzGerald, Knight of Glin, described the scheme as “a wonderful opportunity in these difficult times to recognise the vital role of the architectural profession in safeguarding our national inventory of historic buildings”.

The Society is presenting its awards in two categories: one for outstanding conservation works and the second to award excellence in non-CAD (computer-aided design) architectural drawings of historic buildings. The awards are open to Irish registered architects or architectural firms involved in the conservation of historic buildings in Ireland or in Great Britain.

The new Conservation Awards will form an integral part of the Irish Georgian Society’s wide ranging and proactive conservation programmes. These include: exhibitions to promote traditional building skills; seminars on practical building conservation; and raising funds to provide essential financial assistance for significant conservation projects. Through these efforts the Society has worked throughout the country raising awareness at a local level and has awarded approximately €1.4m in conservation grants since 2000.

In describing the remit of its conservation programmes and its awards scheme, the Knight of Glin said that “the Society aims to highlight the significance of all historic buildings of architectural interest both great and small”. He continued to say “that not only are these buildings essential to understanding our history, they are also invaluable tourist assets; Fáilte Ireland surveys show 61% of visitors to this country engage in historical or cultural visits”.

Through its new Conservation Awards scheme, the Irish Georgian Society wishes to recognise and credit Irish registered architects working in the field of conservation and has invited them to submit projects for this innovative annual award.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Monday 5th July 2010 and awards will be announced on 6th October 2010. The judging panel comprises: Desmond FitzGerald, Knight of Glin, President, Irish Georgian Society; David Griffin, Director Irish Architectural Archive; Frank McCloskey, Director, Royal Society of Ulster Architects; Frank McDonald, Environment Editor, Irish Times; Edward McParland, Director, Irish Landmark Trust; Marion Cashman, Architect, Board member Irish Georgian Foundation.

Click below to download an application form.
http://www.igs.ie/docs/IGSConservationAward_applicationform_April2010.aspx