RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Carefully detailed, this building has a strong presence on the River Suir. The transition between the river wall and the building is exceptionally elegant. The distinctive forms identify the structure as confident landmark. The elegance of the building makes a very positive contribution to this country town.

Architect’s Comments:

This building’s geometries arise out of its very particular location: medieval gate of Thurles and stretched around a bend in the river Suir. A singular folded roof encloses very different volumes, rising and falling like a small mountain range from a strong base – the boardwalk extended over the river. Crisp zinc planes define the library/media zone from the arts and theatre spaces, the entire building cranking to face the river with sheer planes of glass. Two storeys of library and research space are coupled with the high volume of the auditorium by the lower entrance and arts space. Folded between these peaks of activity is an upper terrace, the focus of daytime community activity and in the evening, a bar/café. In the library a deep cut in the ceiling plane right through the research floor brings light and air to the centre of the plan. The exhibition space has a similar slice through the roof plane to conduct daylight from a huge roof-light sitting across the upper terrace, giving unexpected views of the work on exhibition below. The theatre foyer is a compressed volume caught between auditorium and boardwalk. Large glass doors slide back to open the café and foyer to the boardwalk, and from the upper foyer the audience expands out on to the upper terrace overlooking the town. Internally the theatre stage is equipped with full flying and rigging as well as an orchestra pit.

Client's Comments:

In August 2006 Thurles Branch Library and Tipperary Local Studies Department relocated to The Source, an ultra modern Library and Arts Centre/Theatre located on the banks of the River Suir. This move represented a milestone in the development of integrated library, arts and cultural facilities in County Tipperary. It is now widely accepted that public libraries have a central role to play in providing a wide spectrum of cultural, educational and artistic activities, from literary to visual and community arts events. While we have combined our respective services in one large complex, each element has its own distinct identity which is reflected in the clever and purposeful design of the centre. This allows a seamless access to these complimentary services and an opportunity for each to operate separate programmes. There has been an enthusiastic response to the library from both staff and public. The large windows and high ceilings allow natural light to flood the building, creating a sense of airiness and space. It’s a wonderful place to work and the staff love it. The Source simply exudes confidence, it’s comfortable with its role and it already has forged for itself a defining influence on the town of Thurles.