RIAI Building for All / Universal Design Awards 2020 and 2021

The RIAI Building for All / Universal Design Awards for 2020 and 2021 were presented by the NDA director, Aideen Hartney at the RIAI conference on November 3 2021.

The National Rehabilitation Hospital by O’Connell Mahon Architects

2021 Building for All / Universal Design Award

Award: The National Rehabilitation Hospital by O’Connell Mahon Architects.

Commended: Donnybrook Parish Centre by Deaton Lysaght Architects

Commended: Microsoft OMC by Coady Architects in association with Perkins and Will.

Presentation of RIAI Building for All / Universal Design Award 2021

Pictured from l-r Sean Mahon; Hanna Kickham, (O’Connell Mahon Architects), Henry Murdoch (NRH), Dr. Aideen Hartney (NDA), Kieran Fleck (NRH)

Rochestown House Phase III, by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co. Co. Architects’ Department.

2020 Building for All / Universal Design Award

Award: Rochestown House Phase III, a housing development by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Architects’ Department.

Highly Commended: Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre by Mayo County Council Architect’s Section

Highly Commended: the Candle Community by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects.

Presentation of RIAI Building for All / Universal Design Award 2021

Pictured from l-r Sean Mahon; Hanna Kickham, (O’Connell Mahon Architects), Henry Murdoch (NRH), Dr. Aideen Hartney (NDA), Kieran Fleck (NRH)

Presentation of RIAI Building for All / Universal Design Award 2020

Pictured from l-r Dr. Aideen Hartney (NDA), Bob Hannan, Andree Dargan, Sarah Clifford (Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co. Co. Architects’ Department), Ciaran O’Connor (RIAI President)

The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) has supported the RIAI to include a Universal Design category in its annual architecture awards since 2013, as part of its work to promote Universal Design among the architectural profession, and to recognise good practice. CEUD sat on the RIAI jury, and nominated the independent jury chair, Dr. Jim Harrison from the Cork Centre for Architectural Education, as part of its support for the award. Jim noted:

 ‘there is a saying that goes ‘good shoes are the ones that you don’t know you’re wearing’. In the evaluation of truly inclusive buildings, this is especially true. Even though a building ticks all the boxes on Part M compliance and includes all access features, it is the way that these are both minimised and integrated that demonstrates the understanding and application of Universal Design.’