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A boys school in Limerick city has been voted the winner of the Public Choice Award at the RIAI Architecture Awards 2019.
An Ríocht, Scoil Chríost Rí, Boys National School, Caherdavin, beat competition from 40 other projects to claim the prize. Each project was designed by RIAI-registered architects, based in Ireland and overseas, and was completed in 2018.
The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards celebrate the quality of current work by RIAI Members at home and abroad and create awareness of the important role that architecture plays in delivering Ireland's societal and economic infrastructure.
Designed by Drake Hourigan Architects, the school provides for a two-classroom Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) suite with a central activities space and a sensory garden, new entrance courtyard and atrium space for whole school circulation. Inclusion, compassion and flexibility of use were all cited as key drivers in the design. The new accommodation facilitates the school and teaching staff in providing pupils with the necessary educational and social supports when starting school.
David Browne, RIAI President said: "It gives me great pleasure to award Drake Hourigan Architects the 2019 RIAI Public Choice Award. The importance of good design in all of our built environment and public spaces is reflected by Public Choice being awarded to a school. Well-designed buildings can improve quality of life and social interaction, and in the case of Scoil Chríost Rí, in Caherdavin can promote inclusion, compassion and flexibility. The positive impact this building will have on the learning experience of the pupils cannot be underestimated."
Second Place in the Public Choice went to the Cork Criminal Courthouse by OPW Architects with Wilson Architecture and Bluett O’Donoghue Architects. In third place is the office building 13-18 City Quay, Grant Thornton HQ in Dublin by Henry J Lyons Architects.
The full list of RIAI Irish Architecture Awards winners will be announced this evening, 07 June, at an awards dinner at the Mansion House, Dublin.
(CM/JG)
