series 1 - RIAI.ie (The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland)

Transcription

IRISH
ARCHITECTURE
AWARDS
2009
“Innovation Dominates
in Domestic Architecture
and the Public Realm”
Submissions for the 2009 Irish Architecture
Awards have demonstrated “innovation”,
particular in the area of residential
architecture and the public realm, reports
this year’s awards jury, chaired by Greg
Tisdall. “Some of the most intriguing work
was shown in the ‘Best House’, ‘Best House
Extension’ and ‘Best Housing Category’.
The public realm has always been an area
where the profession has produced its
best work and this year is no different with
wonderful new public buildings, cultural
projects, sports complexes and public
spaces selected. The range and quality
were exceptional”, said Tisdall. The chair of
the jury also illustrated how “the smallest
entry this year” was selected for a special
‘Assessors’ Award’. “Delight is not often
associated with architecture, but the jury
were unanimous in selecting Clancy Moore
Architects’ project for the Church of St.
George and St. Thomas in Dublin. The
Projects Featured in this Issue:
The 2009 Irish Architecture Awards Jury
insertion of two small spaces within a city
centre church delighted the jury and shows
how simple schemes, treated with care, love
and attention can transform the mundane
to something very special”, commented
Greg Tisdall.
For the second year, the RIAI featured
a ‘Public Choice Award’, where the
public were invited to vote for their
favourite building of 2008 from the RIAI
shortlist, with Thomond Park Stadium
Redevelopment emerging as the winner.
A special ‘President’s Award’ went to
Grafton Architects for the acclaimed
Universita Luigi Bocconi in Milan. RIAI
President Sean Ó’Laoire said: “Grafton
Architects’ achievement should be seen as
a source of national pride and an inspiration
to the profession in these traumatic times,
particularly as Irish architects venture
abroad.”
BEST HOUSING (MORE THAN ONE UNIT) AWARD
The jury found it encouraging that over 220
entries were submitted for consideration
in this year’s awards, an increase on
2008, although the profession in that
period has experienced considerable
contraction and change. “Judging by the
very high standard of the entries we can
be assured that our profession can sustain
this change and face the challenges in a
creative, testing, sustainable and relevant
manner”, concluded jury chairman Greg
Tisdall. In all, 17 projects right across Ireland
were honoured at the RIAI’s annual Irish
Architecture Awards. The winners were
presented with awards by John Gormley TD,
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and
Local Government. RTE broadcaster Ryan
Tubridy acted as Master of Ceremonies
at the event which took place in The Cow
Shed Theatre, Farmleigh in Dublin’s
Phoenix Park.
PUBLIC CHOICE AWARD
Winner: Timberyard Social Housing
Project: Thomond Park Development
Architect: O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
Client: Dublin City Council
Contractor: Townlink Construction Ltd.
Architect: Murray O’Laoire Architects & AFL
Client: Munster Branch Irish Rugby Football Union
Contractor: P.J. Hegarty & Sons
Greg Tisdall (Chairperson)
James Howley
Des McMahon
Mark Turpin
Martin Henchion
Pat Ruane
0|1 Architecture Ireland 247
BEST CONSERVATION PROJECT
THE LIBRARY, ABBEYLEIX
ARCHITECT - De Blacam & Meagher
BEST CULTURAL BUILDING WEXFORD OPERA HOUSE
ARCHITECT - OPW & Keith Williams Architects
CLIENT - Laois County Council
CLIENT - Wexford Opera House
CONTRACTOR - Walsh M+E Ireland
CONTRACTOR - Cleary Doyle Contracting Ltd.
CITATION
One of the central tenets of good conservation practice is viable reuse. This has been achieved with aplomb in the transformation of
the former Market House in Abbeyleix to provide a new library and art gallery. The building in its earlier forms had few architectural
pretensions, but incorporates a sequence of phases reflecting different uses throughout its 173 year history. In its recent conversion the
architects have managed to respect and reveal previous layers of change, while integrating the whole into a coherent new and exciting
arrangement that is the best yet. The judges felt that this scheme met all the main challenges encountered in the repair and reuse of
historic buildings, which are sensitive conservation, restrained and judicious restoration, and innovative and effective intervention.
CITATION
The Wexford Opera Festival is one of Ireland’s leading cultural institutions. It now has an exceptional new home. Contained within a bold
contemporary form that rises theatrically above the low skyline of Wexford Town, its entrance and streetscape are by contrast modest and
discrete. The circulation spaces and bars are comfortable, sociable and designed to be flexible in accommodating a variety of associated
uses. Particularly memorable are the break-out areas with panoramic views out over the town and the sea. The highlight of the building is
its wonderful new auditorium, which is traditional in spirit and contemporary in its expression, delivering a quite beautiful and memorable
performance space.
Highly Commended
Project: Ulster Bank, O’Connell St
Architect: Consarc Design Group
Client: Royal Bank of Scotland
Project: St Georges Church
Architect: Joseph Doyle Architects
Client: Eugene O’Connor
Project: Aras na hOidhreacha, Former Bishops Palace
Architect: OPW Architects
Client: The Heritage Council
BEST EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
EUROCAMPUS / FRENCH SCHOOL, DUBLIN
ARCHITECT - A2 Architects
BEST HEALTH BUILDING
MIDLAND REGIONAL HOSPITAL, TULLAMORE
ARCHITECT - Murray Ó Laoire / Brian O’Connell Associates
CLIENT - Lycée Français d’Irlande
CLIENT - Health Service Executive, Dublin Mid-Leinster
CONTRACTOR - ABM Construction
CONTRACTOR - Michael McNamara & Son
CITATION
The jury were impressed by the sensitivity with which this challenging extension has been executed. The juxtaposition of spaces and
exploitation of site levels together produce a careful and confident architectural gesture without unnecessary deference to the strongly
expressed style of existing buildings.
CITATION
The jury were impressed by the architects’ response to an extremely demanding programme where rigorous space planning and the
establishment of vital functional relationships are of the essence. Without compromising these demands, a building of appropriate spatial
drama has emerged. The architecture achieves an informal non-institutional image and feel; a bonus for this building type.
Highly Commended
Project: Hazelwood School
Architect: GM & AD Architects
Client: Glasgow City Council
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10
EL +10.455 OD
BEST HOUSE
BEST HOUSE EXTENSION
10A GRANGEGORMAN
HOUSE BY A LAKE, KERRY
ARCHITECT - ODOS Architects
ARCHITECT - Clancy Moore Architects
CLIENT - Private
CLIENT - J & J Kennedy
CONTRACTOR - Shale Construction
CONTRACTOR - S&T O’Shea Ltd
CITATION
Whilst befitting the scale and character of its urban surroundings, this house for a motorcycle enthusiast challenges the typology of the
terraced house. This compact aluminium-clad house has an intriguing sculptural presence. The jury enjoyed the spatial invention and the
attention to constructional detail
CITATION
This podium extension to a Georgian country house is a bold and rigorous project completed with a reduced palette of in-situ concrete and
black granite. The jury was seduced by the photographs of the spaces generated within a grid of concrete columns. The project accepts the
limitation of the chosen construction method and material palette and achieves a symphony of spatial and textural experience within this
discipline.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Project: A House
Architect: FKL Architects
Client: Michelle Fagan & Gary Lysaght
Project: Precast House, Howth
Architect: FKL Architects
Client: Chris O’Dea
Project: Dwelling at Maytree
Architect: ODOS Architects
Client: Private
Project: Country House, Balearics, Spain
Architect: de Blacam & Meagher
Client: Private
Project:Origami House
Architect: Jane Burnside
Client: Jane Burnside
Project: Domus House, Rathmines
Architect: Donaghy & Dimond
Client: Private
Project: Landscape Room
Architect: Lid Architecture
Client: Fiona & Mark Magennis
G 0. 0 5
G 0. 0 6
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BEST BUILDING IN THE LANDSCAPE
SPA & LEISURE BUILDING, HOTEL EUROPE
ARCHITECT - Gottstein Architects
BEST LEISURE BUILDING
BALLYFERMOT LEISURE & YOUTH CENTRE
ARCHITECT - McGarry Ní Eanaigh
CLIENT - Killarney Hotels Ltd
CLIENT - Dublin City Council
CONTRACTOR - Bowen Construction
CONTRACTOR - Ferrovial Argoman (Ireland) Ltd
CITATION
A long-established hotel has transformed its relationship with its dramatic setting – the new spa is contained in a subterranean world
beneath a landscaped courtyard surrounded by the existing hotel. The sensual underground spaces of the spa engage with Lough Leane
in a direct and unexpected way, bringing the whole of the complex into a new and satisfying relationship with the landscape – not looking
out at, but actually part of its dramatic setting.
CITATION
An assured civic building that combines an assembly of functions, ranging from large scale public spaces to the more intimate spaces of a
youth centre and crèche. The bold use of colour and form combine to make a memorable landmark, which has become a valuable local
amenity and social focus. An excellent example of good patronage and a highly accomplished architectural response.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Project: Cody House
Architect: Boyd Cody Architects
Client: Peter Cody
Project: Cafe / Bar on Deal Pier
Architect: Niall McLaughlin Architects
Client: Dover District Council
Project: Light House Cinema, Smithfield
Architect: DTA Architects
Client: Light House Cinema
Project: Thomond Park Redevelopment
Architect: Murray O’Laoire Architects
Client: Munster Branch, Irish Rugby Football Union
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BEST PUBLIC BUILDING
LEIXLIP GARDA STATION
BEST PUBLIC SPACE
TALLAGHT ZIP & PLAZA
ARCHITECT - O’Brian Beary Architects
ARCHITECT - Sean Harrington Architects
CLIENT - Office of Public Works
CLIENT - South Dublin County Council
CONTRACTOR - Sorensen Construction
CONTRACTOR - SAP Landscapes
CITATION
The jury admired greatly that this building defies the constraints traditionally associated with this brief and an un-promising suburban site
to create an elegant and resourceful architectural composition – a composition that is both sensitive to its immediate surroundings as well
as the varying needs of its internal accommodation. The modest palette and balance of materials is just right. It re-establishes a standard
of architectural quality that we should expect from even modestly sized public buildings.
CITATION
In the context of the spread-out character of Tallaght town centre, investment in the public realm and the desire to improve the
connectivity is to be lauded. This is a demonstration of how a simple thing like a pedestrian route can be made special and beautiful,
bringing a real improvement to the everyday lives of the public. It is enlightened commissioning by the Local Authority and an enlightened
design response from the architect.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Project: Cody House
Client: Peter Cody
Project: Cafe / Bar on Deal Pier
Architect: Niall McLaughlin Architects
Client: Dover District Council
Project: Light House Cinema, Smithfield
Architect: DTA Architects
Client: Light House Cinema
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BEST RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
VICTORIA SQUARE, BELFAST
ARCHITECT - BDP Architects
BEST SUSTAINABLE PROJECT
YORK STREET SOCIAL HOUSING
ARCHITECT - Seán Harrington Architects
CLIENT - Multi Development UK Ltd.
CONTRACTOR - Farrans-Gilbert Ash
CONTRACTOR - Michael McNamara & Son
CITATION
Picking up the urban pattern of streets and spaces, the architects have successfully provided for one of the best new urban spaces in
Belfast. The challenge was huge and the design reflects the complexity of the brief. It is more than a shopping centre and it has provided
for the sustainable development of the city centre eastwards in an open and refreshing manner. The city has a new urban space, which is
open, inviting, monumental and architecturally significant.
CITATION
This scheme of 66 apartments, a community centre and créche establishes a new corner to York Street and Mercer Street. Based on
ecological design principles, the building is designed to benefit from controlled passive solar gain using glazed wintergardens and solar
thermal roof gardens. It also has an energy efficient communal heating system, rain water recycling and sedum green roofs. The jury
enjoyed the attention to detail exhibited throughout and commended the project as an exemplary urban residential development.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Project: Cody House
Client: Peter Cody
Project: Tramore Tesco Eco-store
Architect: Joeseph Doyle Architects
Client: Tesco Ireland
Project: University of Ulster, Belfast Campus
Architect: Todds Architects
Client: University of Ulster
01
01
ASSESSORS’ AWARD
ST GEORGE & ST THOMAS CHURCH INSERTION
ARCHITECT - Clancy Moore Architects
BEST ACCESSIBLE PROJECT
IRISHTOWN HEALTH CENTRE
ARCHITECT - A & D Wejchert & Partners
CLIENT - Select Vestry of St George & St Thomas.
CLIENT - Health Services Executive, Dublin Mid-Leinster
CONTRACTOR - Matthew O’Malley Timber Construction
CONTRACTOR - Bowen Construction Ltd
CITATION
This project is a delicate yet bold insertion of ancillary functions into the Church of St George and St Thomas on Cathal Brugha Street,
Dublin. The inventive form and subtle material palatte were particularly recommended by the Jury.
CITATION
The quality of entries submitted for this year’s award for Best Accessible Building was higher than in previous years. Some of the projects
which did not obtain awards would have been good enough to deserve awards in the past. This entry showed that accessibility and the
principles of universal design were well considered. The building has to cater for a diverse range of people and uses. It is a simple plan, easy
to understand, with good signage and many features which make it a fine example of inclusive design.
Highly Commended
Highly Commended
Project: Cody House
Client: Peter Cody
Project: St. Michael’s House Swimming Pool
Architect: Michael Collins Associates
Client: St. Michael’s House
Project: University of Ulster, Belfast Campus
Architect: Todds Architects
Client: University of Ulster
with the right supplier,
anything is possible.
THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
UNIVERSITA LUIGI BOCCONI, MILAN, ITALY
ARCHITECT - Grafton Architects
CLIENT - Universita Luigi Bocconi
CONTRACTOR - G.D.M. Construzioni s.p.a.
CITATION
It is the President’s gift to grant a Special Award and I am in the priviledged position to nominate Bocconi University by Grafton Architects
for this signal honour in 2009. The Bocconi University, designed by Grafton Architects, marks a watershed in reconnecting the talents and
the vision of people formed culturally on this island with our continental sisters and brothers.
AWARDS CEROMONY - The Cow Shed, Farmleigh
1. Grafton Architects receiving the
President’s Award from Minister for
the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, John Gormley, TD.
2. Architect Gary Lysaght at the Awards
3. Guests at the Awards Ceremony
4. Chair of the Awards Jury, Greg Tisdall
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Door Hardware
Anti-Ligature Hardware
Electronic Locking Systems
Intercoms
CCTV
Access Control Standalone or Integrated
• Schuco Jansen Glazing Systems
• Fire & Smoke Curtains
• Steel Doors & Frames
• Timber Doors & Frames
• Movable Walls
• Balustrade & Handrail
• Stainless Steel /
Glazed Canopies
• Staircases
• Stainless Steel Bollards
02
03
• Swing Door Operators
• Sliding Door Operators
• Curved Sliding Operators
• Bi-Folding Door Systems
• Revolving Doors
04
DuBlIn
BelFAst
Unit 1, Westgate Business Park, Unit 20-21a, Harbour Court,
Cork
MullInGAr
GAlwAy
Unit 19 Eastgate Drive,
Unit 29c, Clonmore, Mullingar
Unit 26, Glenrock
Ballymount, Dublin 24
Heron Road, Sydenham
Eastgate, Little Island, Cork
Business Park, Mullingar,
Business Park,
tel: 01 456 7421
Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9LE
tel: 021 435 1200
Co. Westmeath
Ballybane, Galway
tel: 028 904 69914
Fax: 021 435 1244
tel: 044 934 9269
tel: 091 748 060
Fax: 028 904 69915
www.kccarchitectural.com
Fax: 044 934 5333
Fax: 091 748 061
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Fax: 01 456 7409
[email protected]
[email protected]
CONTENTS
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Architecture Ireland
incorporating Irish Architect
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The Journal of the Royal Institute
of the Architects of Ireland
19 Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2.
Telephone: 01-295 8115
Facsimile: 01-295 9350
Email: [email protected]
www.architecturenow.ie
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Publisher
Gerry Murphy
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Editor
Dr Sandra Andrea O’Connell
Commercial and Advertising
Sales Director
Cecil Maxwell
Design (Redesign of Publication)
Noel Greene @ AD Group
Websites:
www.architecturenow.ie
RIAI
www.riai.ie
Cover:
Timberyard Social Housing
Photography by:
Dennis Gilbert, VIEW
Architecture News
RIAI News and CPD
Viewpoint by Patrick Shaffrey
Urban Agenda by Alan Mee
PROJECTS
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Ellenvale Extension, Co. Down, Duggan & Gottstein Architects
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Kitchen Design
Furniture and Interiors
Construction
Plan Expo/EcoBuild 2009
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RIAI
8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Tel: 01-676 1703
Fax: 01-661 0948
RIAI NEWS
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Correspondents
Published by
Nova Publishing Ltd.
for the RIAI
Contributors
Comment
President’s Column
Timberyard, Dublin, O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
Review by Kester Rattenbury
Parknasilloge Court, Enniskerry, SHA Architects
Review by Patrick Shaffrey
Sundial House, Dublin, GCA Architects
The Elysian, Cork, Wilson Architecture
Thomond Park, Limerick, Murray Ó Laoire Architects
Review by Des McMahon
Printing
Swift Printing Solutions
Ulster:
Ciaran Mackel BSc.Dip.Arch.Dip
Project Management, MSC Design,
MRIAI
Munster:
Alexander White Dip.Arch.,
MSDI, MRIAI
Leinster:
Brian McClean B.Arch.B.Sc.Arch,
MRIAI
Connaught:
Malcolm O’Beirne Dip.Arch.B.Sc.
Arch, MRIAI
London:
Sean Madigan AADip Arch,
RIBA, MRIAI
Angela Brady B.Sc.Arch, Dip.Arch.,
FRIAI, RIBA
Germany/Austria/Switzerland:
Rory O’Donovan B.Arch
France:
Vincent Ducatez, Architecte DPLG,
MRIAI, M. in Arch.
THE IRISH ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
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EMERGING ARCHITECTURE
INNOVATION - PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY
INTERVIEW
Kim Nielsen, 3XN by Jason M O’Shaughnessy
IN PRACTICE
The Graduates of 2009
Early Warning Signs of Financial Distress by Declan Taite, FGS
Book Reviews by Ciarán Cuffe and Robert Payne
10 Questions for Jeana Gearty
RIAI CPD Credit for reading Architecture Ireland
Reading Architecture Ireland now entitles RIAI members
and registrants to 1 Unstructured CPD point. In order to
qualify for this CPD credit the Projects section, News and
relevant articles in Architecture Ireland must be studied
and the activity must be recorded and reflected on via RIAI
CPDEngage, the online CPD system for Architects.
To record this activity and carry out a reflection log into RIAI
CPD Engage http://cpd.riai.ie. Your login is your RIAI member
number prefaced with the letters RIAI e.g. riai99999 or
riai00001; your password is your RIAI web login password.
Click on the ‘Find CPD’ tab at the top right hand corner of
the homepage. Enter ‘Architecture’ in the search box and
click on ‘Architecture Ireland’. Add the activity to your record
and complete your reflection. For more information you can
download a copy of the RIAI CPDEngage user manual within
the Resources section of RIAI CPD Engage or at http://www.
riai.ie/public/downloads/RIAI-CPD-Engage-Manual-30March-2009.pdf .
1
CONTRIBUTORS
Ciaran Cuffe - Book Review
Ciarán Cuffe is an architect, planner and Green Party TD for Dún
Laoghaire.
Des McMahon - Review, Thomond Park
Des McMahon is Director of Gilroy McMahon, an established
Dublin-based practice. Awards include the RIAI Silver Medal
for Collins Barracks and the Triennial Gold Medal for Croke Park
Stadium. Current projects include the relocated new headquarters
for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Decentralised Offices, Carlow, a competition winner; and the new
Liberty Hall.
Alan Mee - Urban Agenda
Alan Mee is an architect working in urbanism, architecture and
education. He operates an architectural practice, which responds
to the increasing demand for organising systems and design quality
in development. Current work ranges from large scale urban design
and research to domestic architectural projects. He is also Director
of the Urban Design Masters programme at University College
Dublin.
Jason M O’Shaughnessy - Interview Kim Nielsen
Jason M O’Shaughnessy graduated from the University of
Edinburgh with Distinction in 1999 and from Queens University of
Belfast with First Class Honours in 1996. He founded Architecture
53seven in 2000. He teaches part-time at the University of
Edinburgh and has lectured and been a guest critic in several
Universities. He exhibited in the “Defining Space” International
Symposium on Architecture in 2007. In 2008 he presented a
Showcase Lecture at the European Architecture Students Assembly
(EASA), won a Special Commendation at the World Architecture
Festival (WAF) Awards and was on the longlist for the Young
Architect of the Year Award. He was nominated for the Mies van
der Rohe Award in 2009.
Robert Payne - Book Review
Robert Payne was born in 1959 and studied at University
College Dublin between 1977 and 1982. Having worked with
Arup Associates and Allies and Morrison in London, he founded
Cullen Payne Architects with Brian Cullen in 1994, winning an
international competition for the Institute of Material Sciences
at Trinity College the following year. He teaches at a number of
schools of architecture and contributes to journals both here and
abroad.
Kester Rattenbury - Review, Timberyard
Kester Rattenbury is an architectural journalist, teacher, writer
and critic. She is Reader of Architecture at the University of
Westminster where she co-ordinates the research group EXP
(Experimental Practice). Her books include O’Donnell + Tuomey:
Archaeology of the Air; This Is Not Architecture, Architects Today
and A-Z (with Robert Bevan and Kieran Long) and the
Supercrit series (with Samantha Hardingham).
CONTRIBUTORS
Patrick Shaffrey - Viewpoint & Parknasilloge Court
Patrick Shaffrey is an architect and town planner with long
experience and commitment to the regeneration and development
of Irish towns and villages, with particular regard to their
distinctive architectural and civic qualities. Together with the
late Maura Shaffrey, he has written important books on Irish
architecture and urbanism.
Declan Taite - Financial Management
Declan Taite is FGS Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency
Partner. FGS is Ireland’s leading all-island financial advisory
firm, with offices in Dublin, Belfast and Longford. FGS is an
independent firm, the result of the merger of Farrell Grant Sparks
in Dublin and Belfast; McClure Watters in Belfast and Lyons
Keenan Kilemade in Longford. The firm has also recently merged
with Moore Stephens Caplin Meehan (MSCM) to create the
largest indigenous accountancy practices in Ireland with nearly
300 staff and 30 partners. www.fgspartnership.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dennis Gilbert - Photographer, Timberyard
Originally from South Africa, Dennis Gilbert has worked as a
photographer based in London, since the 1980s. An experienced
practitioner, Dennis expects every image to be inventive,
independent and to complement his visual narrative of a building.
In 2005, the RIBA awarded Dennis Gilbert an Honorary Fellowship.
Philip Lauterbach - Photographer, Parknasilloge Court
Philip Lauterbach, since returning to Ireland from New York
in 2000, has been focused on architectural and interiors
photography in the editorial and advertising field.
Janice O’Connell, F22 - Photographer, Elysian
Janice O’ Connell, F22, has been a professional photographer
since graduating from the Crawford College of Art and Design in
1989. She runs f22 Photography which specialises in architectural
photography. Recent awards include Irish Architectural
Photographer of the Year 2009 awarded by the IPPA and QEP
in Architectural photography awarded by the Federation of
European Professional Photographers.
Paul Tierney - Photographer, Ellenvale
Paul Tierney is a qualified architect specialising in producing
quality architectural photography in collaboration with the leading
designers in Ireland.
COMMENT by Dr Sandra Andrea O’Connell
Turning Recession to Thought
A time for research, thought and
innovation – this is how many
architects, graduates and students
of architecture are responding to
this highly difficult recession for the
profession. Our report on Ireland’s
Schools of Architecture and the
Graduates of 2009 reveals inspiring
Summer Schools initiatives by UCD
Architecture and the School of
Architecture at UL (SAUL), who are
opening their studios and facilities to
graduates engaging in research. Other
Schools are developing collaborations
and widening students’ skill base.
Patrick Shaffrey’s essay on NAMA
lucidly discusses the invaluable
opportunities offered by Ireland’s
largest property owner. The phrase
“new uses for old buildings” is about
to take on a whole new meaning
as “we could be establishing a new
concept of new uses for new buildings”,
writes Shaffrey, referring to the many
abandoned and incomplete projects
that blight our cities and towns. NAMA
is also the focus of Sean O’Laoire’s
President’s Column. Your response to
these topical debates can be sent to
[email protected] or posted
on our blog www.architecturenow.ie/
blogs.
Architecture Ireland has equally
employed this time for a process of
change and innovation, developing
new content and a more contemporary
relevant design to reflect our new
bi-monthly frequency and a strong
emphasis on critical analysis and
debate.
A new feature on Emerging Practices
commences in this issue with a cleverly
manipulated extension for Ellenvale by
Catriona Duggan and Achim Gottstein,
who received a ‘Highly Commended’
in this year’s RIAI awards, while the
practice also scooped ‘Best Leisure
Building’ for Hotel Europe in Killarney.
Jason O’Shaughnessy exclusively
interviews Danish architect Kim
Nielsen at his recent RIAI lecture. Our
project section features extended
peer reviews; including by recent Gold
Medal Winner, Des McMahon, on
Murray Ó Laoire Architects’ acclaimed
Thomond Park Stadium; Patrick
Shaffrey comments on an inspirational
Social Housing scheme in Enniskerry
by Seán Harrington Architects; while
architectural critic Kester Rattenbury
writes a perceptive critique on
O’Donnell + Tuomey’s landmark
Timberyard Housing for Dublin City
Council, which has developed a highly
varied apartment typology, addressing
views and urban context. AI’s New
Housing theme is complemented by
GCA Architecture’s well-thought-out
social housing project Sundial House
in Dublin’s Liberties and Wilson
Architecture’s accomplished Elysian
tower in Cork.
This year’s awards are undoubtedly a
great source of pride for the winners,
for their clients, for the profession
and for the nation. The winners
demonstrate that buildings developed
with care, skill and passion will
result in lasting quality, the utmost
in sustainability. The RIAI’s Awards
exhibition that tours Ireland at the
moment is therefore a timely reminder
– at a time of desperate cost-cutting
proposals – for the need to spend
money wisely by investing in quality in
the public realm and infrastructure.
Editorial Board 2008:
Sean Ó Laoire, President
John Graby, Director
Dermot Boyd
Miriam Dunn
Paul Kelly
Paul Keogh
Ann McNicholl
Kathryn Meghen
Gary Mongey
Jason O’Shaughnessy
Gráinne Shaffrey
Liam Tuite
On a final important note, as this is
also an important time for architects
to learn and up-skill, the RIAI have
recently announced a new online CPD
programme and perusal of Architecture
Ireland constitutes 1 CPD credit per
issue. Further details can be found on
RIAI CPD News.
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copyright. The views expressed are not
necessarily those held by the RIAI nor
the publishers, and neither the RIAI nor
the publishers are responsible for these
opinions or statements. Publication in
Architecture Ireland is a record of RIAI
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acceptance of RIAI members submitted
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been obtained. Neither the RIAI nor
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The editorial team will give careful
consideration to material submitted,
articles, drawings, photographs, etc, but
does not undertake responsibility for
damage of their safe return. The editorial
team reserves the right to edit,abridge or
alter articles or letters for publication.
Architecture Ireland is published six times
a year and is distributed to all members
of the Royal Institute of the Architects
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stations
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN by Sean O’Laoire
Interior Fit Out Contractor
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Beyond the Peoples’ Republic of Namaland 2
You and I, Dear Reader, now collectively
own one ‘bad’ bank, and we are
significant shareholders and subventors
of a number of others. And, we
are about to become, as citizens of
Namaland, part owners of one of the
world’s largest property portfolios.
Who would have believed it?
The 2008 Nobel Prize winning
Economist, Paul Krugman, who recently
offended Irish political sensibilities,
has postulated that much of the
past 30 years of macroecnomics was
“spectacularly useless at best, and
positively harmful at worst”. Many
practitioners of the dismal sciences
are indulging in hand-wringing as myth
tumbles upon myth. Yet, we have seen
or heard little critical analysis of the
underpinning of our economy and how
the new reality may shape the future or,
more importantly, offers opportunity
to imagine a better future.
The debate on the Ryan Report
focussed on the horrific legacy on the
victims of a uniquely Irish phenomenon,
in which the Catholic Church and
the State, passively and collusively,
supported the emergence of structures
that evolved as part of a civic culture
elsewhere, in areas such as detention,
education and health. In short, the
emergence of an accountable secular
state was stultified and suppressed.
Much of the excessive consumption
and recklessness of the Celtic Tiger
Casement house bal
baldonnell
donnell business park, baldonnell,
b
dublin. 22
T: 01 6420050 F: 01
0 6420055 E: celine@w2
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[email protected]
W:www.w2w.ie
years have been equated to the
behaviour of feckless adolescents – and
adolescent we are as a young state
with little legacy of a civic culture.
And where to now? Our planning
system, and implicitly our social policy
objectives, has been entirely reliant on
the dividends of an eternally buoyant
market economy, the founding myth of
‘liberal’ economics. We have nurtured
cultural justifications for our obsession
with land – 800 years of oppression
and all that – and indeed we are tax
averse, perhaps because we have not
experienced an epoch of just taxation
with visible societal benefits.
But the convergence of the McCarthy
Report with the imminent incarnation
of NAMA offers a spur towards
adulthood. Colm McCarthy has posited
reforms that the political establishment
could never initiate. My own and this
professions’ special concern has to be
with reform of local government and
how we now use the peoples’ property
portfolio to guide a path towards a
sustainable and equitable society.
It is significant that John O’Connor,
Chairman of An Bord Pleanala, has
already telegraphed his position on the
future of NAMA properties, i.e. all must
demonstrably yield a public dividend
and all should be plan-led.
Without idealising Northern European
or indeed French planning models, at
their heart is the clear unambiguous
positioning of the State as the mediator
of public vs. private gain. In turn, public
ownership of land, to which the state
adds value by providing infrastructure,
allows the private sector to engage in
development in the context of clearly
stated public gains. And the boomto-bust cycle, characteristic of the
Anglo Saxon liberal economic model, is
tempered if not eliminated.
We will also now be forced to look at a
10, 20, 30 year planning horizons, which
can only be good in the context of
related challenges such as C02 emission
reduction, sustainable energy supplies
and spatial planning. This reality will
surely require radical adjustments in our
political culture.
We now have a duty and an
opportunity to join the dots where
our political masters won’t, and use
the pending consultation period on
reform of local government and the
imminent publication on the Policy on
Architecture to lay the foundation of
revival and a better future. There has
never been a better time. Equally, the
challenge is huge. It is about writing
the script for a new chapter of life in
Ireland. It is not about cuts in public
expenditure purely to get us back to the
way things were. It is about having the
conviction and imagination to articulate
what a different and better Ireland
might look like.
Beir Bua is Beannacht
ARCHITECTURE NEWS
marmoleum
®
hygiene
costs less
Ideas Competition for Galway Harbour
To Coincide with Open House Galway(1)
Galway Harbour Company and the RIAI –
in association with Open House Galway –
are sponsoring an architectural ideas
competition for the Centre Pier in Galway
Harbour, open to architects, recent
architectural graduates and current
students. Registration is open until 25
September. Competitors will be asked to
design a building that gives a recognisable
identity to Galway Harbour and the city,
incorporates a public stage, exhibition
area, retail space, marina facilities, tourist
information kiosk and commercial offices.
There are no restrictions on height or
architectural form. The winners will be
announced at the exhibition opening on
Friday, 16 October as part of the inaugural
Open House Galway weekend – run in
association with the IAF – when the
public will also have their chance to vote
for their favourite entry. www.riai.ie
O’Donnell + Tuomey Design
London School of Economics (2)
O’Donnell + Tuomey’s aspiration
“for a democratic, everyday, unusual
architecture of useful beauty” has
won them the international design
competition for a new £21.5m Students’
Centre at the London School of
Economics. According to the architects,
the intention for the building is to create
an active Student Union, the appearance
and contemporary character of which
should be inviting, welcoming and even
provoking to its users. The site is located
at the convergence of the network of
narrow streets that characterise the LSE
city centre campus and ODT are creating
a public space, pulling pedestrian street
01
Marmoleum natural flooring kills bacteria, so it limits the spread of infections in
school. It has an extremely durable coating, Topshield, which protects it from
dirt and scuff marks, so no polish is required when cleaning.The result is a
hardwearing, durable, natural and hygienic floor that is ideal for learning
environments.
04
life into and up the building. Like a
Japanese puzzle, the design is carefully
assembled to make one coherent volume
from a complex set of interdependent
component parts.
www.odonnell-tuomey.ie
Cycle City(3)
450 new dublin-bikes will be available to
Dubliners and visitors from 13 September
and free to hire for the first 30 minutes
of each journey. The bikes are supplied
to the city as part of a contract Dublin
City Council signed with JCDecaux in
2006 that will also see public information
campaigns, advertising and new
signposting to city centre amenities.
JCDecaux will provide and maintain the
bicycles at 40 separate locations in the
city as well as a way-finding signposting
scheme to help give people directions to
different amenities in the city.
Belfast Firm Short-Listed for
London Bridge (4)
Out of 73 entries world-wide, Belfast firm
WDR & RT Taggart received an
honourable mention from the judging
panel for the London Bridge
Competition. Competitors were asked to
design a new inhabited structure
(a ‘Ponte Vecchio’ type concept) to be
supported off the existing London
Bridge in London. The desing was one of
ten schemes exhibited as part of
the London Bridge Festival celebrations in
July. www.wdr-rt-taggart.com
De Paor Architects
Complete Druid Lane Theatre (5)
Druid’s newly refurbished theatre has
opened its doors in July with a production
of Tom Murphy’s masterpiece The Gigli
Concert. Under the supervision of de Paor
Architects, the fabric of the protected
building has been upgraded to meet
contemporary theatre requirements
while retaining the authenticity and
ambiance of its original early 19th century
warehouse structure. Much of the
underlying stonework is now revealed,
including fragments of both architectural
and archaeological significance
throughout the building. Garry Hynes,
Artistic Director said: “The theatre space,
which holds the memories of 30 years,
occupies a special part in all our hearts
and has been the centre for all our work
whether it end up being performed in
Ireland, Bohola or Broadway”.
Walk the Highline (6)
New York’s latest park – The Highline,
located on Manhattan’s West Side –
opened this summer to overwhelming
public and critical acclaim. Thousands of
New Yorkers and visitors have ‘walked
the line’ and enjoyed the imaginative
planting, sun loungers and stunning
views of the city and Hudson River.
Field Operations, led by James Corner,
a landscape and urban design practice
based in New York, have transformed the
former railway line in the Meatpacking
District into an inspirational park. The
High Line was originally constructed in
the 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains
off Manhattan’s streets. The project has
strong community support with Friends
of the Highline charged with overseeing
the maintenance and operations.
www.thehighline.org and
www.fieldoperations.net
02
05
03
06
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artoleum®
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environmental credentials and life cycle costs please email: [email protected]
RIAI NEWS AND CURRENT RIAI CPD PROGRAMMES
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We provide specialist knowledge, products and advice for those seeking
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doors and conservatories, we provide long-term guarantees on all
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Concepts for a Beautiful Home
Superior Quality Windows, Doors &
Conservatories.
Log into RIAI CPD Engage http://cpd.riai.ie to access the booking forms
and to plan any of the following activities. Booking forms can also
be downloaded from the CPD section of the RIAI website or contact
Teresa Harte [email protected]. The RIAI CPD Engage User Guide can be
downloaded at the Resources area of the RIAI CPD Engage Website.
RIAI CPD Credit for reading
1
Reading Architecture Ireland now
entitles RIAI members and registrants
to 1 Unstructured CPD point. In order to
qualify for this CPD credit the Projects
section, News and relevant articles in
Architecture Ireland must be studied
and the activity must be recorded and
reflected on via RIAI CPD Engage, the
online CPD system for Architects.
To record this activity and carry out
a reflection log into RIAI CPD Engage
http://cpd.riai.ie. Your login is your
RIAI member number prefaced with the
letters RIAI e.g. riai99999 or riai00001;
your password is your RIAI web login
password. Click on the ‘Find CPD’ tab
at the top right hand corner of the
homepage. Enter ‘Architecture’ in the
search box and click on ‘Architecture
Ireland’. Add the activity to your record
and complete your reflection. For more
information you can download a copy
of the RIAI CPDEngage user manual
within the Resources section of RIAI CPD
Engage or at http://www.riai.ie/public/
downloads/RIAI-CPD-Engage-Manual30-March-2009.pdf .
Health and Safety:
20
RIAI PSDP
RIAI Project Supervisor Design Process
is an intensive two-day programme
designed specifically for professionals
in the field of architecture and delivered
by the RIAI, in partnership with Scott
MacNeill Architects and Safety By
Design. The programme includes, on
successful completion of the two days
and an assessment, accreditation by
the RIAI as a trained PSDP. The HSA has
attended the course and reviewed the
materials presented and has supported
the approach taken by the RIAI/Scott Mac
Neill/Safety By Design. Completion of
the ‘RIAI Designing for Safety’ CPD is a
prerequisite to attendance on this course.
For a limited time, the RIAI is offering a
25% discount on the PSDP course to RIAI
members. The course is reduced from
e1600 to e1200 Euros. See note above to
reserve a place on this seminar.
4
Health and Safety:
RIAI Designing for Safety
The RIAI in partnership with Safety By
Design and Douglas Wallace Architects
present “RIAI Designing for Safety”, an
intensive half-day safety course designed
by architects for architects. The purpose
of the course is to provide Architects with
a working knowledge of health & safety
and the role of the designer under the
construction regulations. See note above
to reserve a place on this seminar.
Project Management
20
in the Built Environment
CPD Points 20
This three-day course presented by the
RIAI in partnership with IPM in August/
September 2009 will further develop
that most transferable and sought-after
of skillsets – the ability to successfully
deliver projects. In addition, the course
provides the first step towards the
achievement of the PMP accreditation
[Project Management Professional]
- the most internationally recognised
accreditation in project management.
For a limited time the RIAI and IPM are
offering this course at a 15% discount on
the 2008 price of e1150. The course is
being offered at e995 to RIAI members.
See note above to reserve a place on this
seminar.
4
Urban Design Series
CPD Points 4 per module, 25 max
The RIAI, in partnership with Sarah
Rock of PlaceMakers, will be delivering
an innovative and hands-on Urban
Design CPD programme in September
and October 2009, in Dublin and Cork.
Each session will explore a key topic in
urban design and will cater for a range of
experience and interest levels. Sessions
include ‘The Foundations of Urban
Design’, ‘Urban Design Assessment’,
‘Creating Place, ‘Improving Place’ and
‘Advanced Public Realm & Street Design’.
A 15% discount will be offered for
registration for all 6 sessions. See note
above to reserve a place on this seminar.
2
RIAI Business
Breakfast Seminars
The Human Resources seminar, the first
of the Business Breakfast Seminars
held in spring 2009 in partnership
with Clarigen Ltd., is now available for
viewing online free of charge via RIAI
CPDEngage as a structured CPD Course.
The presentation covers the area of
redundancies and restructuring. Log into
to RIAI CPD Engage http://cpd.riai.ie to
access this presentation.
The RIAI welcomes suggestions and
comments from members on CPD. Please
contact Sandra Campbell at
[email protected]
RIAI Respond to Criticism by Tánaiste
The RIAI have strongly responded to
comments reported in The Irish Times on
21 July by the Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan,
who stated that certain professions,
including “engineers, architects, the
legal profession and others” had yet
to feel “the chill winds of economic
reality” and accused them of “economic
conceit”. In his response, RIAI Director
John Graby wrote that “the Tánaiste
shows a worrying disconnect with reality
when making these remarks”. Reiterating
that 40% of architects have been made
redundant, while a significant number
of RIAI members are on Job Seekers
Allowance, John Graby concluded “if the
Tánaiste’s address is indicative of the level
of research and evidence based policy
in her Department on matters of public
record, as we face an unprecedented
economic crisis, then it won’t just be
architects who are made redundant but
the entire Country”.
VIEWPOINT
“Toxic Loans” - The NAMA Proposals
The question of the so called “Bank
Toxic Loans” is now very much a national
issue.To date it is being treated as an
economic and political problem, but there
are other important aspects stemming
from the fact that the loans are mostly
related to property development and
land speculation in all its manifestations.
The planning and environmental
implications are equally important issues
which must be taken into account. We
should remember Mr. Justice John
Hedigan’s remarks, when he declared that
“planning was a vital national interest
and the decisions made can have serious
consequences for future generations”.
Broadly three types of loans were
advanced. Firstly for office blocks,
shopping centres, retail parks, hotels,
recreational complexes, golf courses,
perhaps most challenging of all, the
myriad housing estates tacked onto nearly
every town and village in the country.
They all form part of the most intensive
building boom which this country ever
experienced.
Many projects are now completed but
remain empty and with limited demand
for them; others are half built and lack
the financial resources to be completed.
The second type of loan may presents
even more complex challenges – those
advanced to acquire development land,
at inflated prices and which was already
zoned in Local Development Plans. Some
of these lands should perhaps never have
been zoned and were done so against the
recommendations of the local authority
officials and particularly the professional
planners. Local politicians, who have
the ultimate responsibility for making
Development Plans, too often caved into
the pressure from developers and land
owners. The proposed new Planning Bill
will hopefully include provisions to outlaw
such indiscriminate approaches to land
zonings.
Thirdly, there are also other lands, as yet
unzoned, these so called “land banks”,
which in the view of the property
developers and land speculators had
future development potential on the
They entered into various types of
arrangements with landowners which
gave them legal options regarding the
future development of this land. The
primary issue now is what to do if the
Government decides it has no alternative
but to take over these lands/loans.
Like all recessions it is inevitable they
will end and growth will start again.
The human spirit and its concerns with
innovation and progress will ensure this.
One thing we as a nation should be clear
about is that growth should never be
allowed at the same pace as happened
over the recent decades. Any wise
Government should not allow another
unsustainable boom.
When growth does start, the first priority
should be to ensure that the empty
buildings are brought into an economic
and social use. Many will require changes
of use and redesign. For example, what
to do with the number of hotels and
leisure complexes for which there is not
likely to be a demand in the foreseeable
future? Could they be converted into
schools, nursing homes, medical centres
etc.? Existing planning permissions may
require major modifications or even be
allowed to lapse.
A classic phrase in the field of
architectural conservation has for long
been “new uses for old buildings”. We
could be establishing a new concept of
“new uses for new buildings”. This is
where the skills and commitment of the
architectural profession can contribute
and not least at the early stages when
future policies and economic implications
are being considered.
The challenge of the half empty housing
estates may very well give rise to serious
social problems. Local authorities will
no doubt consider, and arguably rightly
so, that empty houses could be acquired
for social and affordable housing to
satisfy a much needed local demand.
However, this has the potential to cause
significant political and social unrest.
People, who bought their homes at
relatively high prices, may now feel that
their local environment is being changed
significantly from what they originally
envisaged.
These new housing estates, particularly
in the smaller towns, have been plonked
down on the outskirts, with little or no
connection with the towns. The concept
of dedicated pedestrian/cycling routes
to adjacent areas was more or less totally
ignored. The layouts generally have been
subordinate to the needs of the motor
car, with road infrastructure the most
prominent visual aspect within the public
realm.
In addition, many buildings do not
conform to current and future energy
standards. The overall environmental
qualities of these estates also need
to be improved. This will now be the
responsibility of the National Asset
Management Agency (NAMA) rather
than the private developer. There is some
hope here, but only if NAMA has clear and
comprehensible environmental policies.
There is now an opportunity to ensure
any development of these lands conform
to best practice urban and architectural
standards. This cannot solely be about
maximising economic return, for this
approach is the one which has resulted
in the particular economic mess we are
currently in.
A major issue in future planning and
development will be the challenge
posed by climate change, and all civilised
societies aim to create communities which
are safe, aesthetically satisfying and easy
on the planet.
Some of these lands should never have
been zoned. NAMA will be faced with
the challenge as to whether to dezone
such lands. This may carry constitutional
implications, but is something they will
have to face up to. In some cases, this
may be the most appropriate option and
so reduce unnecessary environmental
problems for future generations. All
of these issues will no doubt affect the
economic value.
Buildings last a long time, much longer
than anyone involved in building ever
expects. Therefore we must ensure we
build well and the right type of building
in the right place. With NAMA there
is an opportunity to achieve this and I
would say an imperative to do so. The
planning and architectural profession can
contribute to this in a positive way.
Patrick Shaffrey
Architect and Town Planner
Whatever you’re
building, with Corus,
you’re on the right road.
URBAN AGENDA by Alan Mee
01
02
03
Offices
1. Architecture Summer Schools
Traditionally a breeding ground for new
ideas, a chance to push research, and
a meeting point for contemporary
thinking in design, Summer Schools
are this summer indicating new
levels of interest in the scales around
architecture. Of the 22 Workshop
themes in the UCD Now What Summer
School, 18 have themes that relate
beyond or outside the conventional
building brief. Current interests
among students and recent graduates
generated the Workshop themes, and
a lively opening session demonstrated
more than a few obsessional thinkers,
from an arguably unhealthy interest
in the typeface spacings on buildings
around Dublin, to the determination to
launch the “world’s first architectural
model museum”.
www.nowwhatrichview.blogspot.com
Industrial
Stadiums
Healthcare
Agriculture
Distribution
Residential
Retail Parks
Education
From schools to offices,
housing to warehouses,
Corus has a range
of pre-finished steel
products to suit any
building envelope and
any budget.
And, thanks to 4 decades of intensive
testing, and research and development,
we can guarantee Colorcoat® products,
for up to 40 years, in the largest range
of solid and metallic colours.
With the renowned Corus reputation
for quality and service, all our Colorcoat®
products are manufactured in the UK
for the shortest possible production
lead times.
Giving you the best availability of colours
and finishes on the market, whatever your
building size.
Corus.
It’s the right way to go.
Just choose Colorcoat®
For more information visit www.colorcoat-online.com
or contact the Colorcoat Connection® helpline on + 353 (0) 129 73365
Colorcoat and Colorcoat Connection are trademarks of Corus.
Building Confidence
Similarly, in the SAUL (School of
Architecture, University of Limerick)
Summer School, architecture students
are actively employed in preparing
assessments of future development
plans for Limerick County and City, as
well as those of surrounding counties,
relating the sometimes abstract
boundaries of these places to the real
dynamics of development at regional
scale. It is hoped that both initiatives
will generate interest beyond the
Schools, leading to publications and
exhibitions in the host cities.
2. MyCity
The preparations of the ground and
basement level MyCity Exhibition
space in Dublin Civic Offices are
underway, with an expected launch
in October 2009, providing a venue for
community use, exhibition and
events, all related to the shared
interest in the evolution of the city of
Dublin. The spaces, including a seminar
room, meeting rooms, and a two level
exhibition space, will be event managed
by the Planning Department, but an
emphasis will be placed on the shared
use by city officials as well as local
groups who wish to have a platform
to express opinion publicly related to
the city.
3. Univercities
The first working meeting of the
Dublin Univercities group was held on
30 June 2009 at Pearse Street Library,
bringing together recent fifth year
UCD Architecture Thesis students with
officials from Dublin City Council to
discuss aspects of the Development
Plan that influenced the design
work. Shelley McNamara of Grafton
Architects introduced the work of two
of her students, exploring the theme
of ‘non-compositional space’, and the
students briefly explained their building
proposals, both based in Newmarket,
Dublin 8. The objective of the meetings
is in line with the main intention of
this Academy of Urbanism initiative,
which is to share learning across the
academic, city official and professional
fields on a city-by-city basis.
For more information, see
www.academyofurbanism.org.uk
Urban Forum
The follow up on the Property Tax
(LVT) Colloquium includes a proposed
meeting with the Department of
Finance, and review in advance by the
Department of the outcomes, together
with the first draft of the resulting
Report. The Green Infrastructure
Colloquium led to discussion on the
meaning of ‘green infrastructure’, the
prominence of a social agenda related
to green areas, and the need for more
Irish research on the subject. Future
proposed Colloquia include those on
the Local Government White Paper,
NAMA, and the new Planning Bill.
Agenda
The RIAI CPD Urban Design Seminar
and Workshop Series will take place in
September and October in both Dublin
and Cork. The initiatives are designed
specifically for professionals involved in
the design and management of urban
places and spaces. More information at
http://cpd.riai.ie , search for ‘Urban’.
Cities and Climate Change:
Responding to the Urgent Agenda
Prof. J Owen Lewis, for SEI, reports
that the topic for the 5th Urban
Research Symposium, held in Marseilles
from 27 June to 1 July 2009, was Cities
and Climate Change: Responding to
the Urgent Agenda. At a time when
climate change is a major priority for
the international community, this
Symposium aimed at pushing forward
the research agenda on climate change
from a city’s perspective. Specifically,
the main questions were structured
around the impacts of city and urban
growth on climate change; measuring
and anticipating the consequences
of climate change on urban quality of
life, city assets, and local and national
economies; and assessing alternatives
to increase the resilience of cities and
related costs and incentives required
for successful implementation.
http://www.urs2009.net/index.html
PROJECTS
Timberyard Social Housing, Dublin, O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
Parknasilloge Court, Enniskerry, SHA Architects
Sundial House, Bow Lane, Dublin, GCA Architects
The Elysian Mixed-Use Development, Cork, Wilson Architecture
Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick, Murray Ó’Laoire Architects
Emerging Architecture: Ellenvale, Co.Down, Catriona Duggan and Achim Gottstein Architects
Architects featured in this Issue
O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects are
currently engaged in the design of
cultural buildings, schools, housing
and mixed-use buildings in Ireland,
the Netherlands and the UK. Sheila
O’Donnell and John Tuomey have taught
at schools of architecture in the UK
and USA; currently Sheila is a studio
lecturer and John has been recently
appointed Professor of Architectural
Design at University College Dublin.
They represented Ireland at the Venice
Biennale in 2004 and 2008, and won the
RIAI Gold Medal in 2005. A monograph
O’Donnell + Tuomey Selected Works,
featuring 15 projects from 1991-2004,
has recently been published by Princeton
Architectural Press.
SHA Architects
Seán Harrington Architects was founded
in 2005. It is a 12-person practice, based
in Capel Street in Dublin city centre,
with particular interest in social and
environmental sustainability. Current
work of the practice includes the
new bridge at Marlborough Street for
the LUAS, a Parish Pastoral Centre
in Malahide and several new private
houses.
GCA Architects
GCA, Gerry Cahill Architects, was formed
by Gerry Cahill in 1984 and is celebrating
25 years in practice this year. GCA is a
medium sized design-led practice with a
long standing consistent and committed
staff of architects and a broad skillset.
GCA offers a wide range of design
services within the primary categories
of urban design and architecture.
A key component of our role is to
create deliverable three-dimensional
visions for the future - informed by
a detailed consultative process. Our
core competency is built around urban
design and we bring specialist skill sets
relevant to the broader development
and management of the built
environment. GCA places a high value
on the participatory process in which
we bring together citizens, engineers,
architects, policy makers, developers and
government to construct appropriate
visions of a future environment. The
practice has won a number of awards
over its history including the RIAI Silver
Medal for Housing in 2007.
Wilson Architecture
Wilson Architecture was established as
a professional architectural consultancy
in 1985 and has since expanded to
become one of the leading practices in
the country. Recently completed projects
include The Elysian in Cork - Ireland’s
tallest building. The Post Graduate
Research Library at UCC won a 2008
International Architecture Award.
Wilson offer a comprehensive range of
architectural services with acknowledged
excellence in the fields of design,
planning, project management and
design team co-ordination.
Murray Ó Laoire Architects
Murray Ó Laoire Architects (MÓLA) is
a design-led firm of architects, urban
designers, landscape architects and
interior designers whose focus is on
contemporary design across a wide
range of sectors and building types.
Established in 1979 in Ireland, with
offices now in Dublin, Cork and Limerick;
MÓLA also have overseas offices in
Russia (Moscow), Slovakia (Bratislavia)
and Germany (Aachen). The practice has
particular experience in mixed-use urban
centres, healthcare, education, residential
and urban planning projects. The quality
of MÓLA’s work is reflected in over 50
national and international awards over
the past 28 years, including Ireland’s top
architectural award, the RIAI Gold Medal.
Catriona Duggan and Achim Gottstein
Architects
Duggan and Gottstein Architects is
a design-led practice established by
Achim Gottstein in 2004. Achim, and
Co- Director Catriona Duggan, have
successfully completed a number
of projects including the recent
redevelopment of the Europe Hotel and
Resort, Kerry. Their aim with each project
is to develop a unique architectural
response to the set of circumstances
that are defined by the site, program
and brief. A commitment to quality and
affordable design underline the practice’s
approach to architecture.
TIMBERYARD SOCIAL HOUSING
‘Best Housing’ 2009 Irish Architecture Awards
ARCHITECTS
O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
Sheila O’Donnell, John Tuomey, Jeana Gearty (Project Architect),
Cian Deegan, Gary Watkin, Harriet Browne, Sam Laffin, Thomas Pickert
QUANTITy SURvEyORS - Cyril Sweet, Paul Maguire, Peter Hanley
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS - Downes Associates
SERvICES ENGINEERS - Buro Happold
MAIN CONTRACTOR - Townlink Construction Ltd.
PHOTOGRAPHy - Dennis Gilbert, View.
Project size - 3,800m2
value - e13m
Duration - 20 months
Location - Coombe Bypass, Dublin
REPORT
By O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects
The development consists of a new
housing scheme comprised of 47
dwellings and a street level community
facility in the historic Liberties area of
Dublin. The project was generated
by the construction of the Coombe
Bypass. A backland site was opened
up and the urban design requirement
was for a new street frontage to
heal the wounds caused by the road
engineering operation. The design
centres on a new public space on the
site of a former timber yard, making
01
01
Site Plan
a residential enclave with a sense of
place. The scheme works between the
six storey scale proposed in general
along the new Cork Street corridor
and the smaller scale of the existing
houses behind the site. The new
buildings are in brick, with hardwood
windows and screens to terraces and
roof gardens. The windows are offset
from each other in the walls to work
with the complexity of the residential
accommodation within, and to
emphasise the continuity of the
brick surface. The walls are modulated
with recessed porches and terraces
and projecting bay windows to give a
depth and complexity to the building’s
edge and an interface between the
private world of the house and the
neighbourhood. The development
proposes to provide scale, identity and
a piece of living city, which connects
new development in the area to the
historic character of the Liberties
1. In urban design terms the
Timberyard scheme has been
designed to heal the wounds of road
engineering works
2/3. Elevations are modulated with
recessed porches and projectings
bay windows
4/5. Apartments plans vary to take
advantage of views and context
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Entrance Hall
Bedroom
Study
Bath
Living/Dining
Kitchen
Terrace
WC
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Section
Unit C2
Unit D10
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Unit B2 / Duplex
Unit B7 / Duplex
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Ground floor plan
6. Timberyard connects to the
historic character of the Liberties
7. The material language is simple:
brick with hardwood windows and
screens to terraces
06
CHINESE PUzzLE IN THE LIBERTIES
By Kester Rattenbury
At first, O’Donnell + Tuomey’s
Timberyard social housing project
in Dublin looks simple. These days,
modest elegant, everyday pieces of
architecture can mask anything from
the exquisite to the banal. But this
one is not just lovely in itself. The
more time you spend here, the more it
includes or opens up.
ODT don’t make a fanfare about
changing a repressive idea of city
social housing, but change it they
do. Unpromising housing types were
required (flats above shops). It’s an
unpromising site - a major road, slicing
and ignoring its subtle, overlooked
historical context, cutting charming,
small residential streets from the
Newmarket, Dublin’s medieval centre
(abandoned as the city drifted north
in the 17th and 18th centuries). The
Timberyard uncovers how interesting
this place is.
This comes on you gradually. The
buildings look plain but lovely; a
well-made part of an unappealing
road. They casually open to form
a small square; oddly shaped and
sunny, sloping to set up a rising view
of city trees and roofs to the north,
discovering an older, human city, linked
with streets and alleys. They welcome
the Marian grotto, established on the
site; chamfering a corner and building
a special niche to include it. ODT
wholly resisted the official demand
for flats above shops (typical in the
depressing big road). They thought
the lovely houses around, or Dublin’s
Georgian terraces, with their gardens
and yards and front doors and
pleasant streets were a far better
model. The flats and maisonettes they
designed are immensely, pleasurably,
(and hugely time-consumingly) varied.
All are double-sided with two or
three outside spaces - at least one
per aspect - a big balcony, garden
or winter garden outside the living
spaces, a smaller one outside the
kitchen. The arrangement alternates
in even the simplest flats. Neighbours’
double-height spaces interlock like a
Chinese puzzle. Yet the whole thing
has the simplicity of a child’s drawing
of a Georgian house. This takes a
huge design commitment, and makes
wonderful places to live. I would move
city for many of these (something
I couldn’t say for the prizewinning
Accordia luxury housing project
in Cambridge.) There are southfacing streetfront maisonettes with
interlocking balconies and gardens
communicating with street and
neighbours. There are neat, private
flats running laterally from big street
to small with east-west city views
(probably my favourites). There’s a
glorious one looking north over the
big catslide roof. The kitchens and
detailing are fabulous. To talk about
them in bulk is misleading: each is as
distinct as an individual home; with its
own spaces; its own relationship with
neighbours and city.
Yet they form a coherent, neighbourly,
generous whole. That modest brick
form does some quietly spectacular
things – opening to let in the sun, and
swooping from six storeys to frame
the rising waves of the little houses
behind like perspective lines – an
optical trick tilting the city into frame.
You won’t get all this from drawings
or photos: it links into other senses:
of orientation, of enjoying views, or
the sun on a wall, of history, of how
to spend time. It’s designed as a small,
specific place in a big city; one of
those you keep going back to. Like
its very different sibling on the other
side of the city, the Sean O’Casey
building. “It feels like saying something
simple”, says Tuomey. It slows you
down, invites you to spend time well,
opens up the city to you: its history,
its humanity, its physical substance.
From an unpromising site and generic
models, this is something utterly
specific and special. A lovely place
to be.
07
PARKNASILLOGE COURT, ENNISKERRY
ARCHITECTS
Seán Harrington Architects*
Seán Harrington, Ryan Gillespie (associate in charge),
Gavin Smyth (project architect)
*Note: Project was first commissioned to Howley Harrington Architects
CLIENT - Wicklow County Council
QUANTITy SURvEyORS - Austin Redy & Co.
STRUCTURAL & CIvIL ENGINEERS - Fearon O’Neill Rooney
MAIN CONTRACTOR - Twin Builders Ltd
PHOTOGRAPHy - Philip Lauterbach
value - e4.25
Duration - 12 months (contract lenght)
Location - Enniskerry, Co.Wicklow
REvIEW
By Patrick Shaffrey
New house building constituted a
major element in the construction
boom that occurred through the years
of the so called ‘Celtic Tiger’. This
particular animal has now disappeared
from the landscape. It is yet too soon
to evaluate its legacy, good or bad?
In 1996, 33,000 new houses were
built. This grew over the years and in
2006, the total was 96,000 houses.
In all, approximately 640,000 houses
were constructed in this period.
Approximately 30 to 40% new houses
were in the form of one-off housing,
rarely designed by architects, and
located mostly outside existing towns
and villages and, I suspect, they will
leave future generations with grave
planning challenges.
It is perhaps too soon to adjudicate
on the quality of the architectural
heritage, which the boom of the last
decade or so has left as a legacy to
future generations. It does seem that
housing is not likely to be a significant
part of any such legacy. The most
significant part of our domestic
architectural heritage is located within
our cities and towns, generally in the
form of group housing, such as the
streets and squares from the 18th and
early 19th century, and continuing with
the red brick terraces of the Victorian
period to be found in most towns
throughout the country. The concern
with architecture and civic qualities
was continued with the social housing
schemes of the early and mid 20th
century, masterminded essentially by
the local authorities, with the
01
talents and commitments of such
architects as Frank Gibney and Herbert
George Simms and the Dun Laoghaire
Architects Department, among many
others.
In recent years, the social and
affordable housing developments
undertaken by local authorities,
sometimes on their own and
occasionally in public private
partnerships, have architectural
and civic qualities which stand out
in comparison to many mundane
and disappointing private schemes.
Adamstown and Ballymun
Regeneration are exapmles. This
housing scheme in Enniskerry falls
within these traditions. It takes its
inspiration from the traditional ‘clachan
layout’, where groups of farm buildings
shared a common access from old
laneways and, over time, became a
seamless part of their local landscape
setting. This vernacular potential is
strengthened by the limited palette of
materials – plastered walls, dark roofs
of different shapes carefully designed,
and well proportioned windows. The
landscaping is simple and unfussy with
new and replacement hedges, again in
the vernacular tradition.
Unfortunately the scheme is located
some distance from the centre of
Enniskerry, with its shops, schools,
library and other community
facilities, and along a busy road. It is
disappointing that Wicklow County
Council should still be continuing with
long discarded policies of pushing
social housing out in ‘the sticks’.
The scheme has only recently been
occupied and, no doubt over time, the
residents, as always, will impart their
own personality. Hopefully this will be
positive but the County Council should
assist and encourage the residents in
whatever way possible.
The major challenge will come in the
future. It is absolutely important
that this housing is fully integrated
with the future development of the
adjacent areas and not ghettoised
in any respect. The solid boundary
wall blocking the views over the
countryside does not help in this
regard. It has already established
strong and qualitative architectural
standards. It forms part of a Local
Area Plan but if all the connections,
such as pedestrian and cycling links
with adjacent housing areas and the
town centre, are not made, it will
become just another housing scheme.
The creation, over time, of pleasant,
safe and sustainable communities,
requires a combination of high quality
architectural and civic design with
imaginative site planning, embracing
other uses such as schools, parks,
shops, community facilities – all
integrated within one concept.
Architecture alone cannot achieve this
but it can be an important catalyst.
Hopefully this scheme will be such, but
Wicklow County Council should not
shirk their ultimate responsibilities in
this case.
02
03
1. Buildings in this scheme,
inspired by the vernacular, are
simply detailed with white
walls, slate or zinc roofs
2/3. The whole anembles, and
was inspied by clusters of farm
buildings, sitting comfortably
in the landscape
4. Semi-detached deep plan
houses have curved barrel
roofs to keep the ridges of
deep and shallow plan houses
to a similar height
5. Small splashes of colour
are restricted to front doors,
thresholds and window heads,
using a natural palette
04
05
Section
Semi-d house
First Floor
6 Bedroom
7 Bathroom
7
6
7
6
Number of Dwellings - 25
(8 x 1 beds, 15 x 3 beds, 2 x 4 beds)
Density - 12.5 dwellings per acre
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6
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Terrace plans
Entrance
Bin Storage
W.C.
Living
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
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5
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1
2
+149.70
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Ground Floor
Entrance
Bin Storage
W.C.
Living
Kitchen
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Site Plan
2
REPORT
By Seán Harrington Architects
When we were faced with the challenge of
designing a development of houses on a 2
acre green field site on the outer fringes of
Enniskerry in Co. Wicklow, the big question
was, “where do we start?”
The brief called for around 25 dwellings with
a mixture of 2 and 3 bed homes. Density
was limited by the onerous Development
Plan requirement for 80m2 public open
space per dwelling and an average of 60m2
for each back garden. Further development
parameters were also agreed with Wicklow
County Council including the use of DB32 Site
Development Standards and an average car-
parking requirement of 1.85 spaces per
home. Cars were to be close and within
eyeshot of each home, but not necessarily
on curtilage. The fields surrounding the
site were subject to a Local Area Plan,
facilitating (and hoping for) private sector
housing. For our own scheme, the Council
asked us to provide road access that was
separate from the private housing, effectively
(and unfortunately) creating a cul-de-sac
development of social housing, separated
from its future neighbours. The slightly
sloping site was largely featureless, aside from
a mature hedgerow along the main road,
which we wanted to keep. There were
wonderful views to the east towards Bray and
the Irish Sea, and to the south, of the Great
Sugarloaf Mountain.
The idea was to accommodate the very
large area of required public open space into
more intense, designed and usable places or
‘courts’, with homes clustered around them,
rather than the more commonly found big,
windswept grass filled ‘open space’ that blight
many other recent housing estates. We also
decided to make all east to west terraces
shallow plan, to avoid exclusively north-facing
rooms. Correspondingly, all those running
north to south were to be deeper,
with rooms facing both east and west.
The scheme was set out either side of
a central access spine in the form of a
‘relaxed’ street. Movement of cars was
to be restricted to this road with small
landscaped parking bays along it.
Our layout allowed for the street to be
extended in the future into the possible
new private housing area to the north,
helping permeability and hopefully social
integration. We put several loosely
arranged courtyards either side of the
spine, surrounded and overlooked by
houses. Dedicated to people, rather than
cars, they offer safe places for children
to play. Although the site arrangement
and size only allowed for a maximum
of three houses per terrace, each short
terrace was carefully connected to the
next using high garden walls, integrated
into the architecture of the houses. This
gives effective continuity of all terraces,
so that private gardens are secure and
there is no ambiguity between public
and private realms. There are no blank
gable ends, and windows are judiciously
positioned, especially on prominent
corners, so that the whole public domain
is overlooked. Each of the six east-west
terraces have a 2 storey end next to
the central spine, reducing to single
storey further away from the centre.
Along the central ‘street’, these offset
bookends frame the wonderful views of
the Great Sugarloaf, and each end house
has a generous south-facing corner
window, both for the distant view and
for passive surveillance of the street and
courtyards.
SUNDIAL HOUSE, BOW LANE
ARCHITECTS
Gerry Cahill Architects (GCA)
Gerry Cahill, Fergal White (project architect), Aileen Igoe,
Fergal O’Connell, Pat Barry, Anne Gorman
CLIENTS - BIH Housing Association (Ireland) Ltd. and Dublin City Council
QUANTITy SURvEyORS - Burton and O’Connor Ltd.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS - Fearon O’Neill Rooney Consulting Engineers
SERvICES ENGINEERS - FPQ Consulting Engineers
MAIN CONTRACTOR - McInerney Contracting Ltd.
PHOTOGRAPHy - Ciaran O’Brien
value - e 6.5m
Duration - 30 months (on site)
Location - Bow Lane, Dublin 8
REPORT
By GCA Architects
Sundial House provides city centre accommodation for people
who have experienced an extended period of homelessness and
have entrenched alcohol use issues. The site provided by Dublin
City Council to BIH Housing Association is at the Fountain,
James’ Street. This small square is formed where Thomas
Street divides into James Street and Bow Lane and where a
Sundial built in 1790 by the Duke of Rutland is located. The
buildings terminating the Thomas Street vista were demolished
to accommodate the LUAS, leaving a derelict merchant’s house,
one of the few surviving protected 18th century buildings on this
street.
The Brief
The architectural challenge was to reconcile the particular
requirements of the brief with the tight site constraints. Of
particular importance were the restitution of the place
and the repair of the urban fabric to reinstate the street corner.
The existing protected structure was retained and restored with
a new infill building, remaking the street façade to James’ Street.
New volumes were wrapped around the original building to form
a central courtyard within the urban block. This void provides
natural light and ventilation to the surrounding circulation spaces
and shared areas. A glass and timber structure terminates the
axis of Thomas Street. This light-filled and colourful recreational
space offers views over the fountain, the street, and the city.
The communal areas and support facilities are housed within the
existing building on James’ Street with a large protected roof
terrace. A white rendered three-storey block on Bow
Lane contains the bedrooms. This block is lifted through two
storeys, above a brick plinth, and creates a strong horizontal
datum, as the lane slopes steeply downwards. The undercroft
of this volume forms the entry courtyard facing Steevens’ Lane,
connecting to Heuston Station and the Liffey to the north.
Accessibility Features
As Sundial House provides sheltered housing for often infirm
residents, access for all was a fundamental design principle. The
main entrance is through the timber screened courtyard space
off Bow Lane with access provided via a ramp through to the
reception areas. The lift is immediately adjacent, connecting to
all floors and shared spaces. The completed building gives level
access to the previously inaccessible existing building and takes
account of level changes across the site.
Site Plan
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Section through bedrooms
Section through recreation
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Second floor plan
Meeting Room
Winter Garden
Communal Area
Bedroom
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1. Bow Lane is a new infill building,
remaking the street at the
junction of James’ and Thomas
Street, following Luas works
2. The glass and timber elevation
facing the axis of Thomas Street
3/4. The central courtyard
provides light and ventilation to
the surrounding circulation spaces
5. The white-rendered bedroom
block on Bow Lane
6. The large protected roof terrace
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5
3
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2
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4
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Ground floor plan
Entrance Court
Reception
Kitchen
Dining
Laundry
01
THE ELYSIAN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
ARCHITECTS
Wilson Architecture
Frank O’Mahony(project architect), Paud O’Mahony, Glen Barry, Joshua Wheeler, John Mc Carthy,
Jean Bluett, Andrew Hodgson, Daniel Crowley, Francis Willis, Fiona Mc Donald
CLIENT - O’Flynn Construction
STRUCTURAL & SERvICES ENGINEERS - Arup Consulting Engineers
QUANTITy SURvEyORS - AKC Chartered Surveyors
FACADE CONSULTANTS - Buro Happold Ltd
FIRE CONSULTANTS - Daire Byrne and Associates
PLANNING CONSULTANTS - Mc Cutcheon Mulcahy
INTERIOR DESIGNERS - Taylor House Designs Ltd
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - Martin Hallinan
MAIN CONTRACTOR - P.J.Hegarty
PHOTOGRAPHy - Janice O’Connell F22
value - e98m
Duration - 32 months (on site)
Location - Eglinton/Albert Street, Cork
REPORT
by Wilson Architecture
The key objectives for the Elysian were to achieve a development
of sufficient density and mix of uses to create a sustainable,
vibrant district that integrates living, working and leisure,
connects to the wider area, and promotes the presence of
people outside of working hours in this area of the city. The core
architectural principle is the creation of active ground floor uses
at the perimeter of the site, with a dense residential complex
over and car parking underground. For the development of a
high quality public pedestrian realm a new pedestrian street was
introduced at the northern most boundary of the site, linking
Eglinton Street to Albert Street and the civic centre to the South
Docks.
The south-western corner of the site occurs at a key converging
point of the citywide infrastructure, as well as being in close
proximity to the civic heart of the city. It is the point of entry
to Cork city from the airport, ferry terminal and the west.
For these reasons an appropriate civic landmark building was
proposed. To achieve this, the plan form was sculpted to
respond to the local spatial dynamic, creating two individually
expressed towers around a central circulation core, with
Site Plan
protrusions and sharp angles, giving the impression of a highly
articulated dis-aggregated form, with a maximum slenderness
ratio on the east-west axis of 1:1 and on the north-south axis,
where views across the city from ridge to ridge are important, a
slenderness ratio of 3:1. In general the buildings are 5+1 (recessed)
storeys over ground level with the exception of the southwestern corner where the 17-storey over-ground landmark tower
gives expression to the aspiration of a civic gateway to the city.
At roof level, the glazed core rises above the occupied floors and
is expressed as a curved structure, wrapping the lift plant rooms
and terminating the building in the vertical. The composition is
completed by a slender spire, which rises 10 metres above the
roof of the building from the centre of the core.
Apart from its function as a city centre residence, a tower of
this nature projects a statement, reflecting the aspiration of
Cork City to compete with other world cities, its scale giving it
a landmark character implying an inbuilt public significance as a
building and location.
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1. The form of the tower has
been sculptural to respond to the
local spatial dynamic
2. The landmark tower is located
at a strategic entry point to
the city. A 10-metre high spire
completes the composition
3/5. The courtyard elevation of
this residential scheme
4. Apartment interior
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3
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5
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Apartment Level 8-15
Entrance hall
Living/Dining/Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom/W.C.
Terrace
Lifts
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Section
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Level 1
Podium Garden
Bronze Sculpture
Water Feature
Entrance to Gardens
Gym
Creche
Outdoor Play Area
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Ground floor plan
Retail Unit
Office
Concierge
Service Yard
Car Park
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THOMOND PARK STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT
Public Choice Winner 2009 - Irish Architecture Awards
ARCHITECTS
Murray O’Laoire Architects
Hugh Murray, Seamus Hanrahan (Project Architect), Billy Mulvihill (Project Technician) Kerstin Bandekow,
Cliona Corry, Aga Dabkowska, Michael Jonker, Caroline Lynch, Aisling Maher, Ray O’Leary
Consultant Stadium Architects: Atherden Fuller Leng Architects
CLIENTS - Munster Branch Irish Rugby Football Union
QUANTITy SURvEyORS - Bruce Shaw Partnership
CIvIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS - Michael Punch and Partners
SERvICES ENGINEERS - Don O’Malley and Partners
MAIN CONTRACTOR - P J Hegarty & Sons
PHOTOGRAPHy - Press 22, Anew McKnight, Peter Barrow
Project size - Capacity prior to development: 11,091 - New Capacity 26,000 (15,000 seated; 11,000 standing)
value - e30m
Duration - 32 months
Location - Cratloe Road, Limerick
REvIEW
by Des McMahon
Maintaining the atmosphere and close relationship between players
and spectators was key. The sports stadium as a building type has
only recently begun to evolve in any coherent fashion. After a
distinguished classical birth, slow decline followed until the modern
period when it re-emerged extremely incoherently. Clad in hostile
materials, the post-industrial stadium, for the most part an amalgam
of utilitarian spectator containers, personified dreariness. Emotional
fervour may have offset architectural depression within the building –
certainly not without.
The current generation of stadiums manifests a quantum leap in
building form. Interestingly very little has changed fundamentally
to front-of-house, i.e. the auditorium. The Coliseum ticks all the
boxes. Back-of-house is where most of the subsequent sea changes
have taken place. A new perception of both sports culture and our
leisure standards, combined with challenges of scale and functional
complexity, catapulted the stadium into the realm of serious
architecture; an extremely important element of urban form and a
significant design challenge for architect and engineer.
Two distinct generic design approaches have emerged. One, along
classic modernist lines, allows the most important components
to intrinsically generate form, compose scale and express building
dynamic. The other is quite the opposite. The stadium and its major
parts are disguised behind an external skin developed to somewhat
more abstract, if quite formal criteria, of light, colour and materials
- the building as a luminous shining landmark with an appropriate
external expression of the vividness inside. The latter school has
been spearheaded by the ‘Bird’s Nest’ in Beijing and the ‘Michelin
Tyre’ in Munich, both designed by Herzog and DeMeuron and both
incidentally on green field sites where, contextually, the architect has a
relatively free hand.
The site for the new Thomond Park Stadium, Ireland’s spiritual
rugby home, was certainly not a green field site, accommodating
an existing stadium cheek by jowl with suburban housing. This
may have influenced Murray O’Laoire to choose the modernist
philosophy. The architecture of Thomond Park is generated by the
01
01
East Elevation -West Stand
refinement of its principal components of structure, movement and
accommodation, a strategy that has delivered well-exploited
possibilities of creating meaningful relationships between threedimensional form, building function and site context. The massing of
the receding spectator tiers combined with the detail of their elegant
steel branch supports constitute a typical part of an architectural
totality, which aggregates scale and ameliorates between the very
contrasting mass of the stadium and adjacent domestic housing.
A few quibbles, principally consequences of budgetary or physical
site dimensional restraints. There is an excessive amount of internal
concourse space. Cross circulation required from player changing
suites to pitch interrupts clarity of patron movement and legibility.
At corporate level individual corporate boxes give way to a grand
corporate concourse on the centre line. Limitations in site width
building form and club accommodation dictate that there is only a
single concourse, which spans the pitch length, giving immediate
access to concourse hospitality areas. At upper levels circulation to
hospitality areas is of necessity via interconnecting staircases and
lifts, which afford opportunity for a greater range of ticket types but
place greater demands on venue management.
This is minor in terms of the project’s primary achievements in
creating a humane and fitting home for Munster Rugby and their
supporters. Importantly, it achieves this without diminishing the
opportunity to make an appropriate statement on the greater scale
of the city. The larger statement derives from a key decision by the
designers. Avoiding the conventional cantilever, they deploy an axial
roof structure. The primary span is along the pitch length via a lofty
arch truss. Secondary spans are from the truss to the rear of the
spectator tiers. This encapsulates a geometry that allows for the
accommodation of the majority of spectators in a central ‘bulge’
on each side, the optimum viewing location, while simultaneously
tapering downwards from its central peak towards the gable ends
in deference to the scale of local housing. Soaring to maximum
height at the centre position, the Thomond Park structure redefines
in dramatic fashion the Limerick city skyline and broadcasts its
significance as a Mecca of excitement and expectation.
2
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Ground floor plan
Main Pitch
North Terrace
East Terrace
East Stand
South Terrace
West Terrace
West Stand
6
1
3
4
5
02
ExPLORATION OF FORM
03
04
By Murray O’ Laoire Architects
The three-dimensional form of the stands is a direct product
of achieving optimum viewing for all spectators. The optimum
functional layout of a rugby or soccer stadium is generated by
accommodating all spectators within 90 metres of the centre
of the pitch and within 150 metres of all four corners of the
playing surface. This generates an ‘orange segment’ profile
where the maximum number of spectators is concentrated
on the centreline. This form, curved in both plan and section,
provides the maximum height at the centre with the lowest
sections at each end. A conventional straight stand option
would have produced unequal gables equivalent to a 12 storey
building. The potential impact on neighbours was of paramount
importance to the client and influenced the decision to proceed
with the less intrusive, functionally superior and more appealing
architectural form.
The fact that Thomond Park is not enclosed on all four sides
is important so that views into and out of the stadium are
maintained. The long arch or rainbow trusses, which support the
roof, are central to the architectural expression of the building.
The seating bowl is made up of a combination of concrete
raker beams with seating units between. The raker beams are
supported by inclined steel tubes which, together with
the supporting column beneath, form a ‘tree’ structure with
‘trunk’ and ‘branches’ which produces a dynamic fan-like
pattern on the elevation. This is enhanced by the decrease in the
slope of the ‘branches’ from the maximum angle at the centre
to the lowest angle at each end.
Key materials vary from solid to translucent and transparent.
Translucent materials are used on the front section of the
roof slope and rear and end walls of the seating bowl. This
polycarbonate material changes in its appearance with different
natural and artificial lighting conditions. The curved perforated
anodised aluminium screen used to the rear of each stand on
the open concourses also changes appearance from solid to
transparent when back-lit. This transforms the appearance
of the building from non-match day to match day when the
stadium is illuminated and inhabited.
Section
1. Thomond Park’s iconic design is
characterised by the rainbow truss
solution, adopted to support the
roof and visible from many parts
of the city
2. Thomond Park is now a fitting
theatre for the many great
occasions yet to come
3. The raker beams are supported
by inclined steel tubes which,
together with the supporting
column beneath, form a ‘tree’
structure
4. Maintaining the atmosphere
and close relationship between
players and spectators was a key
requirement of the brief
5. The mix of vibrant seat colours
in the ratio 60% red, 30% navy and
10% gold corresponds with the
colour mix in the Munster logo
05
EMERGING ARCHITECTURE
EXTENSION TO ELLENVALE
ARCHITECTS
Catriona Duggan & Achim Gottstein
2
3
4
8
10
CLIENT - Private
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS - Brunner Consulting Engineers
MAIN CONTRACTOR - Newray Construction Ltd.
1
PHOTOGRAPHy - Paul Tierney
Project size - 53m2
value - 46.7m
Location - Damolly Road, Co Down
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Ground floor plan
Study
Kitchen
Dining
Terrace
Stairs
Loft (storage)
Garage
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Ground floor plan
Entrance
Study
Kitchen
Dining
Boiler
WC
Living
Terrace
Access stair to loft
Garage
1/2. The new sculptural form realised in white brick - fuses
house and garage together
3. Services and kitchen are
concealed within the mass of
the walls
4. White brick was used also
internally to form the walls
REPORT
The farmhouse is situated on a large rural site
in County Down surrounded by mature gardens
to the front and side. Built in the late 1820s,
the main house was originally designed with a
two-storey return that accommodated servant
spaces and bedrooms. By the 1960s, the
house had fallen into a state of disrepair and,
in attempt to reduce the overall size, the twostorey return was mostly demolished, leaving
behind a single storey external garage used as
storage space. The plan of the main house was
then re-configured to accommodate a small,
north-facing kitchen and entrance porch-cumutility room. In making these modifications,
the circulation was altered so that access to
the kitchen from the entrance hall was via the
living room.
01
Emerging Architecture
In 2006, the new owners of the house wished
to create a small kitchen extension that would
engage with the garden and surrounding
landscape, provide a downstairs WC and create
a loft space in the garage with external access.
The design intention was to re-establish the
connection between the main house and the
somewhat ‘left-over’ garage. A sculptural
form was created that would ‘fuse’ together
the two buildings and accommodate the
programmatic requirements of the brief, reorientating the kitchen space in an east-west
direction. The form is expressed as a pure
element made of white brick that is molded
to create the kitchen extension, a new boiler
house, external terrace and access stair to the
loft. The modesty of the intervention is
reinforced by the use of a singular material –
the white brick, being suitable for use both
internally and externally to form the walls,
terraces and stairs. The solidity and robustness
of the original stone walls are echoed in the
walls of the extension and the services and
drainage, together with the kitchen storage
cupboards are concealed within the mass of
the walls. Inside, the utility room has been
relocated to beside the kitchen in order to
rationalise the circulation and the new WC
tucked under the stairs behind a timberpanelled wall.
The project was Highly Commended in the
2009 Irish Architecture Awards.
03
04
02
INNOVATION in Kitchen Design
Coinciding with our ‘New Housing’ theme, Architecture Ireland
profiles new trends in kitchen design, suitable for multi-occupancy
developments and have asked Ireland’s most innovative kitchen
suppliers to discuss their best value for money options.
01
02
03
1. MINIMA
MINIMA are a furniture, lighting and
interior consultancy. Established
in 1998, they have recently opened
a stunning new showroom in
Hanover Quay, MINIMA2. The
select product portfolio includes
the E5 kitchen (photo above), a
landmark Italian design dating
from 1964 by Marco Zanuso. Each
unit is unique and custom-made
with the unmistakable stainless
steel ‘groove’ which emphasises
the linear qualities of the kitchen’s
design. “We love this kitchen as it
does not look like a kitchen and it
comes in many woods and lacquer
finishes from Ebony to white
lacquer”, say MINIMA.
2. HOUSEWORkS
houseworks are an award-winning
kitchen specialist with offices in
Dublin, Belfast and Cork. Mark
and Rosie Shortt established
houseworks in 1983 as the
exclusive suppliers of SieMatic
kitchens in Ireland. The furniture
range also extends to dining, living
and bedroom furniture, appliances
and audio-visual products. Earlier
this year, houseworks won the
coveted title of ‘Master Retailer for
Kitchens’ as well as the ‘Showroom
Award’ at the Kbbreview (KBB)
Industry Awards 2009 in London.
3. LANGRELLFURNITURE OF DISTINCTION
Langrell’s contemporary kitchen
range features handle free units
with electrically opening doors
and drawers. Innovation in work
surfaces includes curves and thinner
worktops of between 12 and 24mm
in white or off-white colours, in
keeping with the trends at the 2008
Eurocucina show where plain white
solid surface surfaces in 12mm thick
were the norm. In the traditional
range, the trend is for hand-painted
finishes in light browns, blues and
pale green.
Kitchen Brands: SieMatic,
Gaggenau, VIKING
Kitchen Brands: Varenna, Poliform
and the Langrell Bespoke Ranges.
Kitchen Brands: elam kitchen
system and E5 by Tisettanta
Service to Architects: We will
draw up the room and design
the kitchen to the specification,
giving realistic colour perspectives,
annotated plan, dimension plans
and elevations. Full set of plumbing
and electrical drawings. Site visit
prior to installation to ensure that
all plumbing and electrical work is in
correct position.
Service to Architects: Pre-tender
consultation for architects to advise
on a design from a manufacture,
fabrication and practical fitting
aspect. Our state-of-the-art
production facility is flexible
enough to manufacture any design
comprehensible. ‘Walk through’
design program can let the client
visualize exactly what their
completed project will look like.
Service to Architects: MINIMA2
will meet the architect and client
to discuss ideas, requirements and
budget. Design proposal within
2/3 weeks to include lighting
and pricing. In cases where the
kitchen is in an open plan space,
and MINIMA2 offers coordinating
cabinet/storage and dining tables.
Another meeting and, subject to
approval, an ordering schedule and
site visits are organised.
Best value: E5 featuring integrated
handles with sliding doors
concealing oven and fridge e19,995
Contact: Patrick Kerr and
Elizabeth Kellegan
MINIMA2
The Waterfront, Hanover Quay,
Dublin 2, T 01 6337719,
E [email protected]
www.minima.ie
Best value: SieMatic Compact
design. Flat Matt laminate door in
a choice of 22 colours, e19,000.
Current special run by SieMatic on
some compact design kitchens with
an additional 20% off some units.
Contact: Mark Shortt,
Triona Savage
houseworks
Dublin - 11-15 Upper Erne Street,
Dublin 2, T 01 676 9511,
E [email protected]
Belfast - T 028 90666323,
E [email protected]
Cork - T 021 436 9466,
E [email protected]
www.houseworks.ie
Best Value: Kitchens from e 5,000
(range of laminate door finishes);
handle free kitchens from e 7,500.
Contact: Geoff Langrell,
Langrell
Killamoat, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow,
T 059-6473548, E [email protected]
New Dublin showroom in Harold’s
Cross opening in September 2009.
www.langrell.ie
04
4. BUSHELL INTERIORS
Specialists in high-end kitchen
design, Bushell Interiors stock
the allmilmö and LEICHT brands.
New designs include the LEICHT
Compact. “A small compact kitchen
that is well planned and organised
can often work better with the end
user than a kitchen with a more
elaborate larger layout. Kitchen
units must be carefully discussed
and chosen, using clever designs
such as hidden internal drawers and
including carousel units in tight or
dead corners. The illusion of extra
space can be achieved by using a
light colour or glossy scheme for the
door finishes”, say Bushell Interiors.
Kitchen brands: allmilmö and
LEICHT
Service to architects: High-end
kitchen design, sketches, 3D
imaging. Fresh thinking when it
comes to designing and planning a
kitchen, whether it’s in a home or
an office canteen/tea-room, small
space or large space.
Best value: compact LEICHT kitchen
(currently on display in showroom).
Prices from under e 16,000.
Contact: Barbel Raub,
Head of Kitchen Design
T 01 474 9233,
E [email protected]
Bushell Interiors,
12 Heaney Avenue, Parkwest,
Dublin 12, T 671 0044,
E [email protected],
www.bushellinteriors.com
INNOVATION in Furniture and Interiors
01
1. kLIMMEk+ HENDERSON
Established 23 years ago, Klimmek+
Henderson have been consistently one
of Ireland’s most innovative furniture
designers. They work is rooted both
in traditional craft and contemporary
design. The studio has just launched the
Westbourne, a dining room sideboard
in American Black Walnut and Massur
Birch with Maple inlay detail. The quality
of design and manufacture in this piece
demonstrates the ongoing care and
attention to detail that has earned
Klimmek+ Henderson Furniture their
reputation for excellence.
T 01 4589877
E [email protected]
www.klimmek-henderson.com
2. PIONEERING ENERGy EFFICIENCy
SHANE HOLLAND DESIGN WORkSHOPS
The Shane Holland Design Workshop has a
track record in pioneer lighting design. The
studio is constantly exploring possibilities
in energy efficient lighting products and
has actively promoted this via www.
energysavingbulbs.ie, which is testing
new types of leds, cfls, cold cathode and
slim fluorescent products. The Workshop
recommends that schools, hospitals,
hotels, offices, shops and homes all need
to examine using the available technology
to cut costs. Shane Holland Design has also
recently created and installed the largest
diameter chandelier in Ireland, measuring
5.3m, at Portlaoise Church.
T 041 988 2220
E [email protected]
www.shanehollanddesign.com
02
03
3. APPOINTMENT AT FORBO IRELAND LTD.
Forbo Flooring Solutions, the global leader
in sustainable and specialist flooring
solutions, are pleased to announce the
appointment of Paul Carney as Managing
Director of Forbo Ireland Ltd (picture right).
He succeeds Derek Byrne, who announced
his retirement recently. Paul Carney has
been with Forbo since 1989, first as sales
representative for the Dublin and East area
and then as Sales Manager since 1995. He is
married with one child, lives in Dublin and is
a keen golfer and Gaelic football fan.
The winner of this year’s Forbo Ireland
Architects golf outing at The Hermitage
was Bernard Lynch, partner at Keenan
Lynch Architects. Bernard is a member
of Sutton GC. and is seen here (centre)
receiving the Forbo Trophy from Sean
O’Laoire, President RIAI with Paul Carney,
Managing Director Forbo Ireland Ltd.
T 01 2898898
E [email protected]
www.forbo-flooring.ie
04
4. GUTEx WOOD FIBRE
INSULATION BOARDS
Ecological Building Systems have
announced their appointment as exclusive
distributors of GUTEX Wood Fibre
Insulation Boards for Ireland and the UK.
The GUTEX range of wood fibre
insulation is ideal for both new build and
refurbishment and offers the total solution
to wall, roof and floor applications. The
boards can be used either internally or
externally as cladding on buildings to
increase insulation levels and energy
efficiency. A family-owned and operated
company from the Black Forest in Germany,
GUTEX has produced insulating fibre
boards from wood for over 75 years and is
today the only manufacturer to use a ‘dry’
manufacturing process, which is capable
of producing single-ply, highly compressive
resistance, wood fibre board insulation in
thicknesses up to 240 mm. This state-ofthe-art machinery means that around 40%
less energy is used than on conventional
‘wet’ manufacturing processes.
T 046 9432104
E [email protected]
www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com
INNOVATION in Construction
01
02
03
04
05
06
• For The Best Air Permeability Results
• The Complete Intelligent Airtight
System For Premium Air
Permeability Results
• Moisture Management By Intelligent
Diffusion
Ensures
Optimum
Insulation
•
Performance
• Complements & Surpasses
Passivhaus Airtightness Standards
• Superior Indoor Air Quality
• High Structural Safety
Saves
Energy & Reduces Carbon
•
Emissions
The
Complete
Range To Give A
•
Continuous Internal Seal
it looks like a dvd.
but it’s actually
a life-saver.
It’s ten minutes viewing that will make you
question what you specify.
In a controlled fire test at the Antwerp Fire
Brigade Training centre, the performance of
standard MDF and flame retardant Medite FR
are compared.
The results are dramatic, shocking and
potentially life-saving. This is one DVD you
should certainly make time to watch.
Visit www.medite-europe.com or email us
at [email protected] to obtain
your free copy of the Medite FR DVD.
By buying products with the FSC label you
are supporting the growth of responsible
forest management worldwide
FSC Supplier Cert no. TT-COC-2097
©1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.
www.coillte.com
www.medite-europe.com
www.smartply.com
1. BOyLE COPPER & zINC CRAFT LTD
Copper wall cladding is an innovative new
product supplied by Boyle Copper & Zinc
Craft Ltd. The product featured in the design
of Bank of Ireland, Wexford. The material
used for 750m2 of wall cladding and roofing
was pre-patinated Tecu in green copper. The
company also supplies zinc roofing. In a recent
Dublin residential project, 35m2 of VM Quartz
were installed to a conservatory roof.
T 01 2810355
E [email protected]
www.boylecopper.com
2. ECOCEM’S LOW CARBON CONCRETE
BLOCkS
With the introduction of low carbon concrete
(LCC) blocks, concrete blockhouse construction
can now be even greener. According to
Ecocem, a concrete blockhouse will use less
energy and release less CO2 over its life
compared to lighter forms of construction
such as a timber frame house. This calculation
takes into account the energy used and CO2
released during the house construction and
its operating life. “The thermal mass of
the blockwork assists with regulating the
temperature, storing heat in the winter and
absorbing heat in the summer”, say Ecocem.
In addition, LCC blocks have a much reduced
embodied CO2* footprint over that of an
ordinary block. A typical family house using
LCC blocks could save up to 10 tonnes of CO2,
the equivalent of leaving your car at home
for over two years. The blocks are made
using Ecocem green cement – as well as been
greener, they are at least as strong, much less
prone to efflorescence, and lighter in colour.
LCC block suppliers in Ireland include Ducon
in Cork; Gleeson in Tipperary; Dan Morrissey
in Carlow; Hanlon in Kildare; Loughnane in
Offaly; Esker, CMC and Cannon in Galway;
McGrath in Mayo; Harrington in Galway, Sligo
and Mayo, and Kilsaran in Dublin.
www.lowcarbonconcrete.ie
3. kCC ARCHITECTURAL LAUNCH
KCC Architectural are defying the most
difficult construction market of the last 30
years by launching a new company and brand.
It is the next step in an exciting evolution for
the company, which included the integration
of three high profile companies: KCC Hardware
& Access Control, Skelly’s Opening Solutions
and Mullingar Metal Fabrications. “With more
and more clients looking for a combination of
expertise and an integrated market solution,
we felt the time had come to bring all our
companies under one name”, says CEO Chris
Kilpatrick. KCC Architectural is structured around
four specific company divisions: door hardware
and access control; stainless steel fabrication;
façades and partitions; doors and automatic
doors. Some of the most recent high profile
projects that KCC Architectural have been involved
in include Microsoft Dublin, Cork University
Hospital, the Point Village and O2 Arena.
T 01 4567421
4. MARvIN HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOWS
A new state-of-the-art showroom, design and
conference centre for Marvin Windows and
Doors was recently opened by Dawson Stelfox,
President of the Royal Society of Ulster
Architects (RSUA) in Omagh Enterprise Centre.
Referring to EU targets for 2016, which require
all new buildings to be carbon neutral, Stelfox
endorsed Marvin’s use of sustainable timber
in their products: “A major benefit of the use
of timber is that it is a renewable resource, the
use of which reduces our carbon footprint”,
said the RSUA President. Celebrating 105
years in business, the Marvin sliding sash
and casement style window is specified by
architects who wish to replicate the authentic
profiles of the original window, such as St.
Malachy’s Church, Belfast, while upgrading to
new BER certification.
T 045 401000 or NI 028 - 8225 1300
www.marvin-architectural.com
5. kINGSPAN SOLAR RADIATES GLOBALLy
Europe’s leading provider of world renowned
solar technology, Kingspan Solar, has
expanded its global reach by opening new
offices in Jessup, Baltimore (US). “It was
evident that there was a huge opportunity to
introduce Kingspan Solar’s leading range of
solar technology to the US market”, explains
Marketing Manager Sara Magee. The US
office is headed up by KingspanSolar’s Jeff
Tomlinson (pictured above) and Seamus
Cussen, who will be offering Americans the
solar powered benefits – such as reduced
costs, lowered carbon footprint and fast
payback – that people across Europe are
currently experiencing. Kingspan Solar
already operates offices in Ireland and Italy,
where demand for its thermomax product is
particularly high. Generating hot water for
domestic and commercial applications, it was
designed in Ireland and is manufactured in
Europe for the variable climates.
T 1800 812 718 or NI 0800 328 5689
www.kingspansolar.com
6. TECHNAL FAçADE SySTEM FOR
CHELSEA SUCCESS
Façade systems from architectural aluminium
glazing specialist, Technal have been specified
by AFL Architects for the Chelsea Football Club
Training Academy Campus at Cobham in Surrey.
Technal’s new MX Trame Horizontale curtain
walling system envelops the new purposedesigned Youth and Community Use Pavilion;
a scheme that is strongly influenced by the
adjacent training academy (2007). The MX
Trame façade system is used on each elevation
as high level ribbon glazing to the upper
floors, recessed panels or protruding ‘boxes’
at the gable ends and full height glazing to the
entrance and stairwells. This maximises natural
light for the circulation areas, gym, offices,
dining room and teaching areas. The pavilion is
glazed in clear low E glass and finished in silver
to contrast with the brass cladding.
T 01 4105766
www.technal.ie
PLAN EXPO - Rebuilding Ireland
Glazing Vision Rooflights,
Roof windows to the World
Due to the popularity of our roof terrace access rooflights, the designers at Glazing Vision have developed a
design principle which can be used to offer a standard solution in both a free standing box rooflight or a 3 wall
mounted version. Using these design principles cost and lead time reductions can be passed onto the customer.
For more details on these and other roof terrace access options please visit www.glazing-vision.co.uk.
Developing Actions at Plan Expo/EcoBuild for a
Green Construction Sector in Ireland
Dublin, RDS Simmonscourt, 3 to 5 November 2009
• Maximise the light • Uncompromised style • Enhance your living space
Call for a brochure on: 1800 556 692
01
02
Free Standing Box Rooflight
3 Wall Mounted Box Rooflight
Hydraulic Hinged Rooflight
Bespoke Sliding Rooflight
www.glazingvision.co.uk
Doorware Ltd.
is please to announce the addition of
VIELER International to its product range.
vIELER International
have been producing high quality architectural hardware, including
door & window ironmongery & sanitary ware, since 1913. Timeless
design, high functionality and long term durability are key
attributes in the Vieler ethos combined with a comprehensive
product range to compliment any building.
For further information please contact Doorware Ltd.
on 091 743100 or by email [email protected]
1. Pictured at a recent meeting of the Steering Group are (left to right, front row): Tomás O’Leary,
MosArt; Vivienne Brophy, Director UCD Energy Research Group; Garrett Buckley, Joint MD Expo
Exhibitions (Plan Expo); Dr Sandra O’Connell, Editor Architecture Ireland; (left to right, back row)
Gerry Murphy, Executive Chairman Expo Exhibitions (Plan Expo); Ciaran O’Connor, Assistant Principal
Architect, OPW; Jeff Colley, Editor Construct Ireland; Chris Hughes, SEI. (Photograph: David O’Shea)
Not pictured: Professor J Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of SEI; Professor Dr. Tom Woolley
The rebuilding of Ireland’s ailing construction sector –
which has been both a contributing factor and the largest
casualty of the current recession – has been identified as
an urgent task for Irish Government. EcoBuild at Plan Expo
2009 has therefore set itself the task to develop a series of
concrete actions on how Ireland can reposition itself as an
innovator in eco-building and the green economy. Exhibition
organisers have invited some of Ireland’s leading lights
in green construction to participate in a special Steering
Group to develop an innovative programme for the two-day
EcoBuild Conference on 4 and 5 November. These include
Professor J Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of Sustainable
Energy Ireland; Professor Dr. Tom Woolley, an architect
and environmental researcher; Ciaran O’Connor, Assistant
Principal Architect, OPW; Vivienne Brophy, Director of
the UCD Energy Research Group; Tomás O’Leary, MosArt,
designers of Ireland’s first Passive House; Jeff Colley,
Editor Construct Ireland and Dr Sandra O’Connell, Editor
Architecture Ireland (Chair).
The EcoBuild conference will feature keynote lectures
and topical debates on a wide range of issues pertinent
to the green construction sector, including economic
measures that could kick-start the construction industry.
A large proportion of the programme will be dedicated
to Retrofitting, identified as both a huge challenge and
opportunity for Ireland to upgrade its existing building
stock for higher energy efficiency and user comfort.
Architects and their built environment colleagues as well as
construction employees currently utilise the downturn to
up-skill and develop their skills in green design and EcoBuild
will offer hands-on practical workshops.
Strong Focus on Eco-friendly Products (2)
Plan Expo and EcoBuild 2009 will also have a strong focus
on eco-related products in the construction marketplace.
Mirroring the fact that sustainable and renewable materials
are a rapidly growing part of the market, EcoBuild is now a
stand alone exhibition, running in tandem with Plan Expo
2009. Garret Buckley, Joint Managing Director of Expo
Events comments; “Always the highlight of the building
calendar, Plan Expo has been synonymous with Ireland’s
construction sector for 26 years and is regularly attended
by thousands of building professionals. The CIF and RIAI,
along with Expo Events, are determined to steam ahead with
Plan Expo and aim to ensure the future of the construction
industry.” Plan Expo 2009 will see the return of the Product
of the Show Awards, recognised as the industry’s ultimate
accolade for building and eco products. This mark of
excellence gives winners additional exposure at the show
and as a result, has very real, commercial advantages. With
it more important than ever to demonstrate stability and a
positive public demeanour, Plan Expo and EcoBuild are the
perfect opportunity to meet with customers and build for
the future, providing invaluable face to face interaction
between exhibitors and visitors. Business will be done and
the direct dialogue will help establish strong and valuable
trading relationships between companies. 81% visitors to
last year’s show had purchasing power which shows just
how important it is for companies to be present at Plan Expo
and EcoBuild.
The Plan Expo and EcoBuild show takes place from
3-5 November 2009 at RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin 4.
www.plan-expo.com or www.eco-build.ie
INNOVATION in Timber-Frame Construction
Energy-Efficient Office Building from GriffnerHaus
This is probably the most energyefficient office building in the world: The
new 8,000m2 company headquarters
of the Juwi Group, a leading project
development company for renewable
energy installations. Being experts in
the field of renewable energy, Juwi
understood that the primary objetctive
was to have a building envelope that
operated at the highest level of energy
efficiency with an energy requirement
of just 200,000Kw/h/m2/a. For this they
turned to the Griffner group who were
able to provide a wall and roof system
that exceeded the passive building
standard.
Griffner have long since been established
throughout Europe as builders of high
quality, energy efficient homes and
through their Irish division based in
Tullamore they have developed a system
that is as flexible as it is unique. The
Irish company pioneered the bespoke
market and have over 100 custom built
projects completed throughout the
country. Amongst these are a number of
commercial projects including a medical
centre, a number of crèche facilities, a
2,000m2 visitor centre and a 180-bed
hotel. With this experience Griffner
were well placed to match and even
exceed Juwi’s expectations.
With Griffner acting as main contractor,
the structural and technical details were
all controlled in-house. Work began on a
green field site near Frankfurt, Germany
in January 2008 with excavation for a
prefabricated cellar system to house
much of the plant and machinery for
the renewable systems that would go
into the building. The footprint of the
building is approximately 100m in length,
30m in width and 12m in height and
is split into three modular units. The
basement was built using pre-formed
concrete slabs and serves as the service
room for much of the renewable
plant systems.
During the design phase Juwi were keen
to develop a work environment that
made its employees as comfortable as
possible. For this reason, the design
incorporates three main modules along
its length with the internal office space
spread over 7 split level floors to avoid
the mass cubicle feel that is so prevalent
in today’s offices. Each of the three
modules has two central light wells that
channel natural light straight down
into the heart of the building and into
01
GRIFFNER, Your Dream Built to Order.
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The use of three main modules was
deliberately built into the design so
as to allow for a seamless expansion
in the future as the company grew. A
little over a year after moving in, this
design has proven fortuitous as Juwi
has commissioned the next phase of the
expansion of the office and Griffner are
currently on site for building phase two.
The exclusive, energy-optimised building
features a total of seven stacked storeys.
02
In addition to a multi-functional hall
with canteen, the complex also includes
a crèche and various leisure facilities.
The new Juwi building not only boasts
an exemplary ecological design based on
wood, a natural building material – like
all GriffnerHaus buildings, the entire
architecture and fixtures subscribe to
the philosophy of saving resources. From
the outset the new office building was
to be energy-optimised and constructed
with sustainable building materials.
GriffnerHaus however developed the
concept even further with the help of
BRAIN OVERLOAD?
various consultants and has established
it in a global ecological context.
Fundamental to the flexibility of design
and the development of these open
spaces were the use of glulam beams for
the framing and structure of the wall
system coupled with cross laminated
solid timber ceilings that allow for an
increased span over the floor space.
On 1 of July 2008, just five-and-a-half
months after construction began, Juwi
moved into their new home.
1 . A modular design has been
adopted for the new Juwi HQ
2. The light-filled canteen
3. Light-wells channel daylight
deep into the plan
4/5. The eco-friendly créche
building
03
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INTERVIEW KIM NIELSEN
Project - UCC School of Nursing, Cork :: Architect - RKD :: Fabricator - Duggan Systems :: MC - P.J. Wallis
Your vision, our solution
Practice:
Kim Herforth Nielsen (3XN)
Venue:
National College of Ireland
Interview by: Jason M.O’Shaughnessy
“Translating the Translator”
In his essay “The Task of the Translator”, Walter Benjamin
posits that “in the appreciation of a work of art or an art form,
consideration of the receiver never proves fruitful.(…)No poem is
intended for the reader, no picture for the beholder, no symphony
for the listener. Is a translation meant for readers who do not
understand the original?”
The work of certain architects might sometimes be considered
‘untranslatable’, occasionally in the extreme; quite often a
dichotomy emerges between the act of creating an architecture
and that of having to explain or justify those works to a concerned
audience. Often ‘new’ architecture is shocking, as one grapples
to search out familiar ‘signifiers’ or motifs that suggest we
comprehend and are comfortable with our place within such
structures. Kim Nielsen and his studio 3XN seem to have developed
an architectural laboratory where they thrive on exploring a distinct
set of re-negotiated ‘rules’ that undermine previously stable ideas
of form, materiality and function. Their works concerns itself with
the ideas of mobility, connectedness and mutability; walls are
pliant and supple, spaces are inter-woven and exchangeable.
During his recent RIAI Lecture, Nielsen set about to demonstrate
how these interwoven systems work their way into building forms,
explored formally through a series of physical and virtual modelling
technique. In this esoteric world, buildings are not simply produced
by some act of polite obligation, but out of a seemingly fortified
view that these working methods ‘are’ architecture in themselves.
In other words, the act or process of prompting these forms
into existence becomes an act of communication between each
studio member, and at the same time attempting to present the
‘pure’ pursuit of the design process. If thought is the genesis of
architecture, then the act of ‘making’ is its echo; and as such is the
intended task of the translator.
The way in which the work and working methods of 3XN was
described from this viewpoint was interesting. We want to
believe that projects such as the Ørestad College are part of this
process; we want to believe that the students in the school have
a more balanced view of the world by virtue of the fluid and interconnected spaces that define their daily learning experiences; we
also want to believe that at some stage our own systems of schools
procurement will allow for these architecturally ambitious spaces;
what was shown in the work of 3XN, is that there is another way,
and that it’s an altogether better way in terms of spatial efficiency
and the social act of learning.
An important element of their work is the exploration of a
certain architectural interiority. The Danish Embassy in Berlin,
the Amsterdam Music Building and the Saxo Bank all share this
interest in different ways. The internal void or ‘canyon of light’
of the Danish Embassy might be seen as a mirror to the external
voids that exist externally around each of the Scandinavian
Embassies; the warped stairs in the void of the Music Building
concerned with linking the hybrid programme and event spaces of
the interior, whilst the interior of the Saxo Bank is more akin to an
archaeological dig- an excavated solid in favour of an assembled
series of surface plates. These are also sectional buildings;
buildings and interiors that have been mapped by surgical
‘procedures’ in order that new connections may be discovered
between previously unrelated programme; an attempt to subvert
the concept of ‘heaviness’ that is common in buildings designed
in ‘plan’ in order to make these spaces more distinctive. In ways,
some of the work by 3XN might be seen to share a Piranesi-like
fascination with the section; certain familial codes or linked DNA
strands in any case.
The task of de-ciphering such translations is particularly difficult;
we understand that we as ‘readers’ can only know so much as to
the facets that comprise these building and art forms. Where we
gain so much understanding is in the consideration of the ‘codes’
and narratives embedded within such structures and forms. The
following is a transcript of an interview with Kim Nielsen that
further engages with these ideas within his work.
Full architectural design & specification consultation service available.
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1. Internal View of Danish Embassy in Berlin
2. External Image of Liverpool Museum
3. Proposed Utrecht Library
4. Internal View of Amsterdam Music Hall
5. Student Space in Ørestad College
6. Internal View of Saxo Bank
Jason O’Shaughnessy: Can
you give a brief background
to the practice?
kim Nielsen: 3XN, or three
times Nielsen, started
with three Nielsens with
only myself left; one other
(Nielsen) is now a Professor;
the other (Nielsen) is living
on a Greek Island!
Jason O’Shaughnessy: Can
you describe what influences
your works conceptually?
kim Nielsen: We are trying
to create environments
that make people behave in
certain ways, if it’s a learning
environment to learn from
each other, that is what is
driving us.
Jason O’Shaughnessy:
Do you mean an architecture
that is interactive or involved
and exchanged?
kim Nielsen: Yes, it has to
do with the programme,
the brief express what is
happening in the building
The Danish Embassy in Berlin
has strong Scandinavian
overtones, but might
also be considered to be
contemporary of that time.
Would you say that there is
a particular design agenda
followed in relation to this
building?
kim Nielsen: It seemed it
was more like an internal
task……..we wanted as much
daylight in the building, we
wanted a synergy between
the people, also because it
was an embassy with secret
things happening, it couldn’t
be an open building, but we
wanted as much openness
into the building as possible.
Does it have its own
impulsiveness? A prompted
interiority because of the
Masterplan?
kim Nielsen: Yes, in the
competition with five
architects, we were the only
ones to have this idea of
the canyon – two shapes
forming this light canyon.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: Are
there differences between
your architectural methods
and those of Thom Mayne
(Morphosis) who might
describe his works as a series
of connective “tissues” and
“sinews”. Here, I am thinking
of your current works, such
as the proposed Library
in Utrecht.
kim Nielsen: I know
Thom Mayne. He came
to the office just after
we started, but I think
ours (architecture) is the
opposite; ours is about
conceptual ideas…. we
do have the layers to the
outside of the building,
but it is about the tradition
of detailing in Denmark
which tells a story about
the different functions on
different floors of
our buildings.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: Is it
a strong appreciation of the
surface, that is manipulated
and an interior that is threedimensional?
kim Nielsen: Yes, it is
everything but flat.
The other thing that I find
interesting is that certain
works seek to displace the
historical figure-ground
model in favour of a
merged position?
kim Nielsen: It is about
movement, but you also
need something to move on
(landscape). In Molde, it’s
about moving (vertically)
over two levels and
everything moves up and
the staircases get used. In
Liverpool the whole shape is
defined by movement.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: But
is it more than functionality?
kim Nielsen: It is driven by
creating places for people to
meet one another. We can
influence a lot more than
we think as architects. A
lot of architects just build
something beautiful, but it
gives no meaning without
another dimension; if it
doesn’t give something back
to the people, if people do
not interact with it.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: You
have recently been awarded
the C. F. Hansen Medal – can
you tell us more about that,
and what it meant to you?
kim Nielsen: It meant a lot.
It is the highest recognition
you can get in Denmark. Only
thirty people have received
it in two-hundred years and
it’s important from the Arts
Society because it is for a
life’s work.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: Have
architects a greater role as
speakers of new types of
living and the development
of the new city…… what
systems and conversations
are needed to further the
idea of these new
meta-cities.
kim Nielsen: This is a good
question. We do need
to have a plan because I
don’t believe it can be self
developed. I also believe
in the difference of scale,
we can’t just have small
scale but also big scale. In
‘new towns’ there is only
one scale but this needs to
be mixed and then it can
become interesting. It allows
people to find their own
scale, where they want to be.
Jason O’Shaughnessy: In
your intervention with UN
Studio (Lighthouse Project)
you talk about things at
a certain scale. Can an
architect better shape a
city through these types of
collaborations?
kim Nielsen: Exactly,
cities are about exchange.
Too much is done right
now that is too big scale,
that it becomes greedy to
build huge landmarks. The
conflicts in ghettos are never
in small scale environments
but in big scale situations;
you have to think about the
human scale, the low scale.
You need the difference of
scale. The idea of architects
doing works of hundreds of
thousands of square metre
buildings is too much.
The Graduates of 2009
This year’s architecture graduates are facing huge challenges of finding
employment. While their plight evokes the memory of the 1980s
when entire graduate classes left these shores, the difficulty for this
generation is that in this world-wide recession there are few and
far places to go. It is all the more encouraging to see the creativity,
thought and initiative emerging from Ireland’s Schools of Architecture.
www.downerint.com
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Fabric Architecture
Creative Weave Mesh
Stainless Steel Wire
Rope System
First Graduates at WIT
The Department of Architecture at
Waterford IT reached a milestone this year
with its first year of fifth year students
graduating. Fifth Year thesis projects
include a Theatre in Cork focusing 0n
actor and audience relationship by Alexis
Cronin(1); a Learning Landscape in Dublin’s
Liberties by Claire Pierce (2); an Ethnic
Minority project by Anna Kramarczyk (3);
a Craft School on the shores of the River
Suir by Mark Flemming (4); a new Visitor
Centre for the Aran Islands by Michael
Tobin (5); a Town Hall for Wexford by
Morris Conway (6); a patient-focused
Health facility by Richard Smith (7); and a
new typology for a Special Needs School
by Sarah Mulligan (8).
In late April, to coincide with the annual
John Roberts weekend, WIT held a
public day with two students from each
year of Architecture and Architecture
Technology presented projects. Keynote
lectures were delivered by Jean Francois
Blassel, a Director of RFR Paris, Paul
Vincent, an Associate at the Renzo Piano
Building Workshop and Tarla McGabhann.
Fifth-year students also participated in
a special master class with Vincent who
worked with the students to identify
problems and opportunities. He recalled
humorous anecdotes from the practice
such as Renzo Piano’s ‘obsession’ with
trees, when discussing landscaping
options with the students. Head of
Department Maire Henry, who previously
worked with Renzo Piano, has established
formal links with the practice including a
scholarship to work in the Genoa-based
Building Workshop and a placement in
the Urban Laboratory, a joint venture
between the City of Genoa and Renzo
Piano. Architecture at WT has a strong
international focus, offering study
programmes in Denmark, France and
Mexico. WIT’s Yearbook, produced by
year 2 students is available from
www.wit.ie/architecture
Now What at UCD?
The School of Architecture at UCD opens
its studios and facilities this summer to
students wanting to develop ideas. Under
the evocative title Now What? teachers,
students and practitioners devised a
series of 22 workshops that take place
over the summer, leading to an exhibition
that will coincide with Open House Dublin
(8-11 October). The organisers believe
that this is an opportune time to channel
the “wealth of creative talent amongst
graduates and students who need space
to research, learn new skills and meet
people to discuss these with”. (See also
Urban Agenda). www.nowwhatrichview.
blogspot.com
UCD Architecture’s Yearbook, edited by
Emmett Scanlon and Deirdre McKenna,
adopted the theme of ‘ordering’ –
SEEING, WORKING, LIVING, LEARNING
and ENGAGING. Threaded throughout the
book, voices of visitors are heard, written
as echoes of student work they reviewed,
sketches of a room they occupied,
memories of Dublin city, the context
and location for all student work in UCD
Architecture in 2008-09. It is hoped that
the book portrays a sense of the dynamic,
collective and vital design, research and
academic life of the people and spaces
which embody UCD Architecture. Copies
are on sale at the RIAI bookshop.
Downer International
The Sail Loft, Crofton Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Telephone 01 280 0231 www.downerint.com
THE GRADUATES Of 2009
01
Cork Centre of Architectural
Education(CCAE) (1) By Gary Boyd
A joint initiative between CIT and UCC, the
Cork Centre of Architectural Education
follows a ‘four plus one’ structure with a
Masters of Architecture being awarded
after five years study. Our ‘End of
Year’ show comprises three of the four
years that will make up its BSc (Hons.)
programme. Each year investigates a
specific context or cultural landscape.
First year begins with a series of analyses
that provoke discussion and reaction to
the design process, representation and
anthropometrics and the first semester
concludes with a bookshop, sited on the
edge of a public park in Cork city. This
segues neatly with the second semester’s
focus on landscape, pursued through a
sailing school located on sites on a spit
of coastal land near Kinsale. Second Year
takes the urban condition as its main
preoccupation and, specifically, the knot
of tight, contradictory spaces that make
up Barrack Street in Cork city.
Third year studio locates itself in what
can be described as a suburban landscape:
the commuter town of Kanturk in north
County Cork. Made (in)famous as a
location for the decentralisation of the
OPW, third year’s sub-title, Town/land:
occupying the ordinary, is indicative of
an approach that seeks to investigate the
systems and networks of landscape and
form that underscore this country town.
The graphic quality of the exhibition
benefits from the input of the Crawford
College of Art and Design and future
connections with the National Sculpture
Factory, the Glucksman Gallery and other
cultural centres in Cork city, suggest a
further enriching of CCAE’s architecture.
The exhibition is open until September
by appointment.
www.ucc.ie/en/architecture
02
School of Architecture at University of
Limerick (SAUL) (2) By Merritt Bucholz
The renovation of St Munchin’s became
a project for the Fourth Year students,
under the guidance of David Lewis of the
Parsons New School of Design in New
York’s Greenwich Village. The program
for the 2008 edition of SAUL Fabrication
is a civic platform. The framework
against which this new insertion will be
judged will be the effectiveness of this
piece in transforming the space of the
deconsecrated church into a public venue
to serve SAUL and the City of Limerick in
enabling public discussion over the future
of architecture and public space.
The project was to transform the existing
Old St. Munchin’s Church through a
careful insertion of a designed component
that enables a new use of the church. The
former Church of Ireland building, dating
from 1827, was previously occupied by the
Island Theatre Company. It is located close
to the Bishop’s Palace, home of Limerick
Civic Trust, and near City Hall, where
there has also been strong support for
the move. The church is a stone building,
built on one of the highest points in the
city. As St Munchin’s Church is a listed
building, no major works were carried out
and nothing is irreversible. Partitions were
removed and the inside was painted (walls
and part of the floor).
Vision: The idea is to burn it into an urban
think-tank for the city and the university
to work together, making it an active space
where citizens can discuss their views.
It is the first step towards a partnership
with the city because, so far, UL hasn’t
benefited from the city and vice versa.
The Fourth Year students designed a
furniture system including stools and
exhibition walls that adds value to the
usability of the church.
www.ul.ie/architecture
03
Dublin School of Architecture, DIT
Bolton Street (3) By Dermot Boyd
2008-09 proved a challenging but
interesting year for architecture and
education. With the collapse of the Irish
building industry, a period of slowdown or
meltdown may give all of us architects an
opportunity to re-think our role in and our
contribution to society and, in turn, make
necessary changes to our profession.
The quest to produce thinking as well
as practicing architects is embedded in
our approach at DIT. Alongside a oneday symposium discussing the role of
Technology in Architecture led by Glen
Murcutt the CRH/DIT Visiting Professor
and RIBA Gold Medallist Ted Cullinan,
our studios in all eight years explored
architecture at every scale.
First Year Studio examined building in the
Irish landscape through the Tower House,
leading to the design of a woodland
shelter, a house and a community centre
in a rural setting. Second Year explored
‘context’ through diverse projects – a
bathhouse, Montessori school and a
winery – in a range of demanding sites.
Third Year investigated the theme of
urban ‘Wasteland’ in and around Bolton
Street. The area was ‘re-cycled’ at an
urban level with a new campus for DIT.
Glen Murcutt worked closely with Fourth
Year students on a explorative buildings in
the village of Courtmacsherry, West Cork.
Fifth Year continued to explore a wide range
of individual architectural propositions or
theses with a greater emphasis on the need
for a theoretical stance.
The three years of Architectural
Technology continued to transform their
educational landscape to create thinkers
as well as doers. Three-dimensional
problem solving through sketching and
model-making was embedded into the
programme and the introduction of an
‘add on’ one year honours degree this year
in Technology is one way of fighting the
recession in 2010.
www.dublinschoolofarchitecture.com
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IN PRACTICE: Financial Management
This new exclusive series by FGS on best-practice financial
management and human resources for architectural practices
advises on current challenges and new opportunities.
SERIES 1 by Declan Taite
Early Warning Signs of Financial Distress – The Effects on your Practice
greencement
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The plight of the architect has been
widely recorded in the media in recent
months. Who could have foreseen
the rapidity of the downturn? The
impact has been catastrophic for so
many architects both in practice and
on a personal level. Many practices
are implementing drastic cost cutting
measures, resulting in redundancies,
office relocation and re-organisation
of practice structures. Insolvency is
a commonly used word these days but
what are the signs and how can you
protect your practice from insolvency?
When it comes to facing up to financial
difficulties within your own practice
or protecting your practice from bad
debts, it boils down to the availability
of cash.
During the long, heady days of the
Celtic Tiger, the construction explosion
saw the cash pouring in. Controls
were in place, money was collected,
but many debts were discounted and
written off, by choice or through
pressure from the client who came
through the door with a new ‘bigticket’ project a few months later.
The perfect vision of hindsight is the
frequent topic of discussion these
days, but rather than lamenting past
mistakes or lack of foresight where
cash slipped through the fingers so
easily, it’s crucial to be able to identify
some warning signs of insolvency
which will enable you to make critical
decisions for your business, whether
a sole practitioner, a partnership, or a
limited company.
What are the warning signs of
insolvency?
In an ideal world these are identified
early, allowing time to make careful
decisions and stay in control. If
they are not identified early, or if
matters escalate at an unprecedented
rate, options become more limited
and relationships can break down
resulting in difficult, hostile situations.
Insolvency is defined as the inability
to pay debts as they fall due. This
can be subjective so a thorough
understanding of your business and
the market is essential in determining
if your practice is solvent or not, or
indeed if a client may be insolvent.
You must have a firm understanding
of the financial status of you business
on a regular basis, at least through
monthly management accounts.
Financial statements are generally
historic documents and are therefore
not suitable for decision-making
purposes alone, although they should
be considered in conjunction with
regular management accounts for
analysis purposes.
• Understand and manage work in
progress, debtors and cash.
• Prepare budgets and carry
out regular ‘Budget -v- Actual’
performance reviews.
• What is your fee capacity compared
to fee income?
• Regularly review credit controls.
• Can you convert debtors to cash?
• What is the cash breakeven of your
practice?
• Review overheads regularly.
• What are the profit margins on
projects?
• Are decreasing profits shifting to
regular losses?
If you can retain control of these areas,
you are positioned to make informed
decisions to best suit your business in
terms of restructuring, redundancies,
pricing, reducing or extending debtor
days, rather than ‘fire-fighting’ which
may in fact be detrimental to the
future of your business.
In relation to your clients, there are
some indicators of financial distress
– apart from avoiding calls from your
Credit Controller seeking payment –
and these may include for example,
post-dated cheques, making roundsum part-payments against invoices,
Revenue attachment orders, change of
banker and loss of key staff.
www.ecocem.ie
www.lowcarbonconcrete.ie
82|83
In PRACTICE: Financial Management
The early warning signs are there –
what to do next
• Recognise the signs and take
action. Avoiding the issue means
your troubles will escalate and you
run the risk of losing control of the
situation.
• You should approach and
communicate all stakeholders,
particularly the banks, in a timely
manner. You will retain credibility
and be in a better position to
negotiate.
• Retain appropriate professional
advisors.
• If time and cash flow permit, devise
and implement a restructuring
plan.
Managing cash flow – a key to survival
The ability of any business to balance
the cash it receives with the payments
of its liabilities as they fall due is
a critical factor in its continued
survival. In addition to engaging
effective working capital management
techniques, businesses must ensure
that they prudently manage their
debtors. One of the most common
causes for a business finding itself
in cash flow distress is simply having
too many debtors and in particular
having too many aged debtors.
These are becoming increasingly
difficult to collect. In recent years,
most businesses would have readily
offered credit to customers, however,
this needs to be approached more
carefully now and a business must
implement effective credit control
policy, integrated and enforced with
appropriate budgeting and forecasting
systems to ensure that clients settle
their debts at the agreed time.
Additional advice for company
directors
Whilst the same principals regarding
responsibility and decision-making
should be borne by sole practitioners
and partnerships, the consequences
of the actions, or inaction of
company directors can have serious
consequences for some individuals.
Directors of companies in financial
difficulty must ensure that their
actions are at all times in the best
interests of the company, its
stakeholders and its creditors. Not
alone are they protecting the business,
they are also protecting themselves. The pressures associated with a cash
flow crisis can result in poor decisionmaking by directors that can have a
detrimental effect on the business
and the professional reputations of
the directors themselves. The worst
decision for the business is to do
nothing and hope problems go away. Experience shows that if the issues
are not recognised and addressed
early, the company’s financial position
deteriorates at an accelerating rate.
Strong leadership is essential from the
directors: the business, their livelihood
and the livelihood of their employees
are in jeopardy.
Directors should be fully aware
of the possible consequences
of trading whilst insolvent as in
these circumstances their primary
responsibility is to protect the
company’s assets and the interests of
the creditors. The commercial rationale
for continuing to trade during this time
should be documented and agreed at
board level.
trading) liable under the Companies
Acts for their actions and in certain
circumstances can be held personally
liable for debts incurred by the
company during this period.
If the company has loans subject
to secured charges, the directors
should seriously consider advising the
bank of their concerns and of their
proposals to address the situation.
The bank may already be aware of the
company’s financial difficulties and, in
the absence of positive engagement by
the directors, may act independently
to protect the banks security. If the
directors engage with the bank at an
early stage it allows time to discuss
the options available to the company,
whether there is a possibility of a
structured workout, or if insolvency is
inevitable, the opportunity to plan a
structured wind-down to improve the
outcome for the company’s creditors.
If having exhausted all possible
options, the directors decide that
the insolvency of the company is
inevitable they should immediately
take steps to commence formal
insolvency proceedings, whether
that is Examinership, Receivership or
Liquidation.
Directors must avoid engaging in
actions that would have the effect
of increasing the company’s liabilities
either through a dissipation of the
company’s assets or an increase in
its liabilities. In the event that the
company is eventually placed into
formal insolvency proceedings, the
directors can be held civilly (reckless
trading) or criminally (fraudulent
FGS is Ireland’s leading all-island financial advisory firm, with offices in Dublin, Belfast and Longford.
For further information, please contact Jacquie Hudson, Marketing Executive, T 01 418 2029, www.fgspartnership.com
84|85
BOOK REVIEWS
Moving Dublin
By Anne Cleary and Denis Connolly
Published by Gandon Editions, Kinsale, 2009
Review by Ciarán Cuffe
There’s a revealing scene about seven minutes
into the DVD that accompanies the collection of
essays and photographs in Cleary and Connolly’s
Moving Dublin. A young girl is interviewed
as she moves along a travelator in one of
Dublin’s suburban shopping centres. It’s not
her description of walking across a waterlogged
field to school that fascinates, but her ease at
being interviewed while on a moving walkway
surrounded by shoppers. Clearly the city is
changing and a new generation finds different
ways of relating to the world that surrounds
them.
Moving Dublin travels between city and suburb;
from Clanbrassil Street in the inner city to
Brookfield in South Dublin. It challenges the
The Architecture of Parking
By Simon Henley
Published by Thames & Hudson
Review by Robert Payne
The late J G Ballard describes this book as “a
hymn to the true temples of the automobile age”
and the press release accompanying it calls the
author, Simon Henley of ‘award-winning’ practice
Bushow Henley, as “a passionate observer of
parking garages”. Big claims. But are they true?
I often think that architectural books should
have two front covers: one in the conventional
location to partner the text and another at
the back to acknowledge the fact that most
architects read such books like Arabic texts, from
back to front.
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
So how does this book perform when subjected
to the reverse flick test? Certainly, it is full of
photographs and, thankfully, plans and sections,
things that architectural publishers increasingly
ignore nowadays, presumably on the grounds
that useful information is too dull and slows up
architects’ perception of the city that emphasises
buildings by pointing out the importance of
routes and journeys. In doings so it echoes the
explorations in Bruce Chatwin’s Songlines and
Italo Calvino’s Marcovaldo. The city is revealed
through memories, car journeys and Luas trips
that crisscross the territory and its history.
A quotation from Michel de Certeau tells us
that in Greece bus or trains are known as a
metaphorai, and this collection of journeys
around Dublin reveals more about the city that
any static description. Bicycles wander in and out
of the narrative, and Connolly’s description of his
courting of Cleary through repairing her bicycle
pays homage to Flann O’Brian’s Third Policeman.
Colm Keegan has contributed a wonderful
description of kayaking along the River Liffey in
the course of which he manages to explain both
the questionable land rezonings in Clondalkin,
and the truths that are learnt while paddling
along the river.
the reader in this fast-moving age. The initial
glance suggests a book that is a compendium of
car park design and a slower examination, from
front to back this time, reveals some gems. The
concrete parking structures from the 1950s and
1960s are especially fun. But, if this book is a
hymn, to what kind of tune is it sung? Judged
by the photographs alone, and particularly by
the black and white pictures of such buildings
as Trinity Square, Gateshead (1967), which was
featured in the film Get Carter, the music is more
reminiscent of the Baroque cathedral than the
Wesleyan chapel.
However, hymns have words as well as music,
and an examination of the text reveals a
different story. Perhaps it is that use of the
word ‘passionate’ in the press release that stores
up the disappointment. ‘Passionate’ has been
popularized by New Labour, those masters of
Orwellian doublespeak, in an attempt to change
the traditional image of what Napoleon dubbed
a nation of shopkeepers and his passionate
compatriots have always regarded as phlegmatic.
This work shows us new sides to Dublin, and
takes us out of our comfort zones of familiar
neighbourhoods. It illustrates the city through
the rear-view mirror on a rainy day, and reveals
the unglamorous view of the Red Cow Hotel as
seen from the off-ramp of the M50. The final
scene on the DVD shows Dublin through an
aircraft window, and the panorama of Howth,
the River Liffey and the Pigeon House chimneys
literally fades to grey as the plane enters the
clouds. The last photograph in the book shows
the classical façade of the Bank of Ireland at
College Green. To one side a pole topped by a
CCTV camera carries posters from campaigns on
opposing sides of the Lisbon Referendum. In the
distance an empty flagpole can be seen against
the same grey sky over Trinity College. This image
illustrates the uncertainty and challenges that
Dublin faces in 2009. I highly recommend it.
From this viewpoint, the Englishman who is “a
passionate observer” is more likely to be found
standing at the end of a damp railway platform,
waiting to spot the 15.16 out of Nantwich. The
writing by Simon Henley in this book, and there
is an awful lot of it, is tendentious to the point
of distraction. Rather than stoking excitement
about the genuinely new building form of the
parking structure as it arose with and reflected
the Modern Movement, it sucks all life from
the subject with a plodding literary style that
adds nothing to what can be observed from the
photographs. Think ‘Now Thank We All Our God’
to music by Monteverdi.
Should you buy this book? If you are currently
designing a multi-storey car park, then it is a
useful handbook to have beside you. If you
enjoy the baroque exuberance of Brutalist
architecture, then this book is one to have on
your shelf. But if, like me, you want to borrow
that shotgun from Adolf Loos every time an
‘award-winning’ architect tries to inflict his
passion on you, run a mile.
10 questions for Jeana Gearty
Where did you study and what did
you do next?
I studied in DIT Bolton Street. I then
worked in a small office in New York
for a year and went to Sydney for 3
years where I worked with Bligh Voller
Nield. I came back to Dublin in 1999
and joined O’Donnell + Tuomey.
Whose work do you admire?
For powerful elemental forms, clarity
and for being uncompromising I would
have to say Peter Zumthor and Peter
Märkli. They are both groundbreaking
when it comes to materials and new
types or unusual construction. I admire
their confidence to keep it simple.
What did you enjoy most about the
Timberyard project?
When the scaffolding came down
from the façade and the culmination
of years of work was unveiled as a real
piece of the city. That and now seeing
the new tenants move in.
What would you have become if you
hadn’t become an architect?
I had a brief run-in with accountancy
but it just didn’t add up…
Which material offers you the most
possibilities?
Concrete. It represents so many things:
modernism, progress, durability,
strength, history (the Romans used it
2000 years ago!). It offers an almost
limitless source of possibilities, from
structure to elaborate visual expression
on exposed surfaces to art.
What’s the most important object in
your day-to-day work?
The coffee machine.
Which architect-designed house
would you like to spend a weekend in?
Smiljan Radic’s Pite House in Chile on
a magnificent costal site, the simple
concrete volumes set into the rugged
landscape with clear view of sea and
sky.
What exhibitions have you
recently seen?
I’m just back from the opening of the
Venice Art Beinnale, so lots to choose
from. My favourites included: Martin
Boyce in the Scotish Pavillon, Carlo
Scarpa inspired abandoned garden
landscapes in empty palazzo rooms;
Liam Gillick’s enormous continuous
kitchen reminiscent of Donald Judd’s
work, while exposing the fascist
architecture of the German Pavillion;
Ulla Von Brandenburg’s film in the
Arsenale was set and filmed in the
Villa Savoye to stunning effect;
Michelangelo Pistoletto’s installation
of destroyed mirrors at the entrance to
the Arsenale.
What books do you read?
Here’s what’s on my bedside table:
Marilynne Robinson, Housekeeping
(just read); W.G. Sebald, Rings of
Saturn (just started); John McGahern,
That They May Face the Rising Sun
(waiting to be re-read); Christopher
Hitchens, God is not Great (ongoing
source of inspiration); Julia Donaldson,
Charlie Cooke’s Favourite Book (one
of her books always at hand for my
2-and-a-half-year old);
Where do you like to travel?
Puglia in southern Italy for laid back
living and gorgeous food; New York
for friends, culture and more gorgeous
food.

series 1 - RIAI.ie (The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland)

Transcription

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