The Gold Medal 2013-2015 has been awarded to Donaghy + Dimond Architects for its design of The Model School, Inchicore. The Medal was presented by RIAI President, Sean Mahon FRIAI to Architects Marcus Donaghy MRIAI and Will Dimond FRIAI, co-founders of the practice at a ceremony in the RIAI.
The Jury was unanimous in awarding the RIAI Gold Medal to Donaghy + Dimond Architects for the Model School, Inchicore, citing it as “an environment of singular quality through the transformation and extension of the original Model School of 1853, to deliver a project of real delight and social significance for the school and the local community.”
Since 1934, the RIAI Gold Medal has been the premier accolade of the Institute and is awarded to a building, either in Ireland or internationally, for an exemplary design by an RIAI Architect. The project must be completed within a defined three-year period and the medal is awarded several years after completion so that the success of the building can be confirmed by the passage of time.
While tasked with selecting a winner of exceptional merit, the Jury noted the high quality of the submissions and nominations received, bearing in mind the significance of the 2013-2015 timeframe for the award, when the economic and social conditions for the production of buildings were exceptionally challenging.
Congratulating Donaghy + Dimond Architects on this prestigious achievement, RIAI President, Sean Mahon FRIAI, commented: “The RIAI Gold Medal is the pinnacle of architectural achievement, a prestigious honour, steeped in history and the highest recognition an architect can attain. Today, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional work of Donaghy + Dimond Architects, whose design of the Model School in Inchicore has earned this distinction.
“This is a significant day in the celebration of architecture, as it highlights the meaningful impact that the quality of our built environment has on the daily lives of end-users and the wider community. Investing in quality architecture for our schools can be a transformative experience for students and teachers alike – from the light-filled classrooms that open to a beautiful old chestnut tree to the many well-considered breakout spaces that foster play and teaching. Architecture has the power to bring communities together, enriching our shared environment for generations to come. This building, through its inventive reimagination of the old also delivers a highly sustainable building in all its facets, from adaptive re-use of the old school, to the creative design and use of natural materials in the new, transforming an existing place, and supporting people and communities in the process.”
There was a strong shortlist of buildings for the RIAI Gold Medal for the period 2013-2015, from which the Model School, Inchicore was chosen:
The Model School is a wonderful assemblage of buildings and spaces, creating an environment of real and singular quality through the interpretation, transformation and extension of the original Model School of 1853, demonstrating the commitment of the architects, over an extended period of time, to deliver a project of real delight and social significance for the school and the local community.
It reimagines the original school, a Protected Structure – enclosed behind a high stone wall, and with a significant stand of historic chestnut trees – through extension and refurbishment as a contemporary 10 classroom primary school.
The site strategy flips the school entrance, creating a generous entrance to Grattan Crescent, navigating the level difference with the original school through a sequence of ramps while preserving the existing trees and establishing three interconnected play-spaces / yards of distinct character. The restored classrooms in the original stone building – the Stone House – avail of a delightful new roof lit space generated from an existing yard. Additional classrooms, resource areas and the general-purpose hall are established in a new three storey wooden clad building, enriched by in-between circulation spaces leading to magical classrooms facing east onto the canopy of the chestnut trees – the ‘Tree House’ as dubbed by the students. The careful detailed façade and windows define a unique learning environment, vocally appreciated by both students and staff.
The Model School reimagines the historic building through the care and commitment of client and architects during the ten years of its making – providing a continuum of learning and play.
Throughout, the buildings – both original and new – are distinguished by exquisite detailing, the combination of stone, concrete and timber, forming a rich and sustainable palette, a tribute to the skill, care and thought, at every level, of the architects.
The RIAI Gold Medal is the highest honour in Irish Architecture and has been presented by the RIAI since 1934 for a design of exceptional merit by an RIAI Architect, in Ireland or internationally. The project must be completed within a defined three-year period and the medal is awarded several years after completion so that the success of the building can be confirmed by the passage of time.
Past recipients of the RIAI Gold Medal have included Michael Scott (Busáras), Arthur Gibney and Partners (Irish Management Institute), Liam McCormick (Burt Church), de Blacam and Meagher Architects (The Library at CIT), O’Donnell + Tuomey (Ranelagh Multidenominational School and Lyric Theatre Belfast), Des McMahon (Croke Park), Tom Maher and Kevin Bates (Poustinia) and Grafton Architects (Bocconi University).
