THE O’DONOGHUE CENTRE for Drama, Theatre and Performance at National University of Ireland Galway has been voted Ireland’s favourite building.

The centre won the public choice award at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Awards 2017.

The building was designed by Taylor Architects in association with Richard Murphy.

O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Source: Donal Murphy via RIAI

The O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Source: NUI Galway

Now in their 28th year, the awards are the primary architectural awards in the country.

The shortlist for the public choice award included 60 projects across 13 counties and three international projects – in Hungary, Poland and Palestine – all of which have been designed by RIAI-registered architects.

There were entries from 13 counties across Ireland, including two from Northern Ireland

Over 20% of votes cast by members of the public online went to the winning project. It’s the second time in five years that Taylor Architects has been crowned as the winner in this category. Over 14,000 people voted in the public choice section.

Dublin and Cork

Second place went to the Central Bank of Ireland, North Wall Quay, designed by Henry J Lyons Architects, while third place went to a Cork project – Child’s Play Tower, designed by Kane Architects.

Central Bank of Ireland, North Wall Quay Source: Henry J Lyons via RIAI

Child’s Play Tower, Cork Source: Kane Architects via RIAI

RIAI president Carole Pollard said the standard of entries was “very high”, adding: ”It’s a great achievement to win the public vote twice in five years.”

Eamon McCarney, managing director of Taylor Architects, said winning the award is “particularly special” as it is voted for by the public.

There are a record 18 categories in this year’s awards. The rest of the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House this evening.

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