A NUMBER of Irish architectural projects have been shortlisted in the 2010 Civic Trust Awards scheme.
Abbeyleix public library; St Malachy’s church in Belfast; Wexford Opera House; Visual, the Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre in Carlow; and Timberyard Housing in Dublin have been shortlisted.
The Liverpool-based Civic Trust Awards scheme was established in 1959 to recognise the best in architecture, design, planning, landscape and public art. Awards are given to projects of the highest quality design, but only if they are judged to have made a positive contribution to the local community.
Wexford Opera House was built in the heart of the city on the site of the old Royal Theatre. “We would see these awards and nominations as a tribute to our community. It is definitely recognition of the work we’re doing here. These awards don’t just recognise the design – they recognise what we bring to the community,” said Elizabeth Rose-Browne, spokeswoman for the opera house.
Shortlisted projects are located in Ireland, Spain and the UK.
Responding to the shortlisting of Visual for the award, Bernie O’Brien, of Carlow County Council, noted: “Designed by Terry Pawson of Terry Pawson Architects, London, the building is unashamedly modern, sitting in an immediate historical context that has required a strategic planning approach to resolve and connect this new cultural building into the urban fabric of Carlow.
“Visual is an ambitious and highly exciting development for the arts in Co Carlow and one of which the community are extremely proud.”
Local teams, including an architect, inclusive design assessor, local authority co-ordinator and local adviser judge the merits of each building entered for the competition.
The shortlisted buildings will, at minimum, receive an award or a commendation.
The local judging teams’ recommendations are considered by the national panel and the overall winners will be announced at a ceremony in Liverpool on March 12th.