The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has announced that the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance at National University of Ireland, Galway, designed by Taylor Architects in association with Richard Murphy, has won the Public Choice Award at the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2017.

The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards celebrate the quality of work carried out by RIAI members in 2016 and highlight the contribution that architects make to society for everyone’s benefit.  Now in their 28th year, the Irish Architecture Awards are the premier awards for the industry in Ireland.

The 2017 shortlist included 60 projects across 13 counties and three international – in Hungary, Poland and Palestine – all of which have been designed by RIAI registered architects.  There were entries from 13 counties across Ireland, including 2 from Northern Ireland.  But despite this tough competition, over 20% of votes cast by the Irish public online went to the winning project.  It’s the second time in five years that Taylor Architects has been crowned as architect-winners of the Public Choice Award.  Over 14,000 people voted for a building of their choice.

Second place went to the Central Bank of Ireland, North Wall Quay, designed by Henry J Lyons Architects, while third place went to a Cork project – Child’s Play Tower, designed by Kane Architects.

Commenting on the Public Choice Award winners, Carole Pollard, RIAI President said: “I would like to congratulate our winning practice, Taylor Architects – it’s a great achievement to win the public vote twice in five years.  The quality of entries this year was very high, which demonstrates the contribution RIAI members are making to design and deliver the buildings and spaces that support the social and economic infrastructure, both at home and abroad.”

Eamon McCarney, MD, Taylor Architects added: “We are delighted that our work has again been recognised in this way and it’s a particularly special award as the public voted for the winner, which is very rewarding.  I would like to thank the whole team at Taylor Architects as well as Richard Murphy for their steadfast commitment to the highest standards as well.  It’s very positive to see the range of great projects RIAI members are bringing to fruition.”

There are a record 18 categories in this year’s awards, winners of which will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House this evening.

The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards are sponsored by Gerflor.

Irish Architecture Awards, RIAI