RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Dublin - Over £100,000

The former Royal College of Science which housed laboratories, workshops, lecture theatres, classrooms etc. was built at the turn of the 20th century. It has been converted into modern prestige offices for the Irish State. The sense of dignity and importance of the existing Edwardian Baroque facades have been enhanced by cleaning and the creation of a new courtyard. The interiors have been expressed as a restrained balance between the outside and the inside of the structure.

The plastered pannelled walls and ceilings give a scale in sympathy with the external features in stone. The painted colours are selectively chosen to give a cool, contemplative atmmosphere and to contrast with the rich and sometimes vibrant colours of the floor finishes. The colour scheme also helps to offset the many contemporary Irish paintings which are hung throughout.

The interior design, the art and architecture, give little indication of the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology in mechanical, elctrical, communications and travel services. Form and function are interwoven.