A West Belfast visitor centre has received the top award by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.
The Liam McCormick Prize for Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year has been awarded to Áras Uí Chonghaile, the new James Connolly visitor centre on the Falls Road.
The centre, designed for Fáilte Feirste Thiar (Visit West Belfast) by McGurk Architects, joins a list of the finest buildings in Northern Ireland to have won the prize which includes the Lyric Theatre and Giant’s Causeway visitor centre.
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The project was also awarded the RSUA Integration of Art Award for the portrait of James Connolly on the perforated-metal gable wall, central to the creation of this was Fergal Rainey who was named Project Architect of the Year.
Colm McGurk, Director of McGurk Architects based in Magherafelt, said: “We are delighted that our work on this very special project has been recognised by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.
"It was a privilege to work so closely with our client to create a new landmark building for West Belfast, one which will attract visitors to the area for many years to come.”
The construction of Áras Uí Chonghaile entailed the adaptation and extension of a Victorian twin end-terrace building, transforming the structure into a museum with learning and exhibition spaces as well as a café, library and office with conference facilities.
The judging panel described the building as a “crafted and characterful addition to the local community and a fine demonstration of what can be achieved through re-use.”
Ciarán Fox, Director of RSUA, said: “This year’s overall winner is a brilliant example of building re-use. To help tackle our climate emergency we need to focus in on how our existing buildings can be re-purposed, not just those of great historic value. Demolishing and starting from scratch should be a last resort.
"This year’s entries were required to have been in use for at least one year so that the judging panel could better evaluate the sustainability and real-life performance of these projects.”
Not only did an architect's practice based in Co Derry claim the top prize but the four other RSUA Design Award-winning projects were all based in the county.
Located in Bellaghy, House Ballyscullion, designed by McGonigle McGrath has been named Northern Ireland’s House of the Year.
Owners, the Graham family, who painstakingly managed the self-build process over a five-year period, also picked up Client of the Year. The judging panel described the project as “a beautiful testament to a client’s commitment and an architect’s skill.”
House in the Glebe near Eglinton collected an additional award for Small Project of the Year, Consarc Design Group won for its work on the North-West Multi Modal Transport Hub and the new North Wing of the Altnagelvin Acute Hospital, designed by winners HLM Architects and Hall Black Douglas, was described by the judges as an “uplifting place for staff to work and it delivers an environment rich in healing potential.”
Mr Fox continued: “Our winners and shortlisted projects demonstrate that when clients make an investment in good design the benefits are both tangible and long-lasting. Architects can help deliver buildings which are both functional and beautiful and which enrich the lives of those who use them.
“After two years it is wonderful to once again be able to gather and recognise excellence in the design of Northern Ireland’s built environment. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to our sponsors, without whom in this annual awards scheme would not be able to operate.”
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