Gmit

What you see from the road is the outer skin of the library. There is also a substantial amount of new building to the side and behind those “sails”. The building definitley isn’t a one trick pony. Interesting landscaping and nice structue inside – very cohesive altogether. The detailing in the copper is lovely with nice folds as it goes around the corners. It will really be worth a stop to have a look when you’re on your way out of Galway.

Yes the copper “sails” are indeed very dramatic and impressive… although they do seem at odds with the rest of the building (that said when I saw the building, construction was not 100% complete so maybe the finished product is integrated better).

Murray O’Laoire have a few pics on their website:

Its now just about complete and looking quite spectacularly good. The drama of the copper sails has been well balanced out with a completely mad looking entrance ramp complete with a stretched fabric canopy in a very complementary shade of purple. It reaches out from the plainer side of the building towards the road and coupled with a great bit of landscaping the overall composition is very successful. Ive had a couple of glimpses inside and it looks just as spectacular (and eccentric!) as the exterior. I’ll have to pop out and take a few pics…

The building is finished. I have the pleasure of being a student there and it really does look impressive and quiet striking. I think its almost impossible not to look at it as you drive pass. It is ture that the sails do contrast with the rest of the building (the part i really like, inside is amazing and gives the college the public space it was lacking before). The part reflecting the sails of the galway hooker houses the library and is very welcome as the cold library was possible the most aweful part of the old building. Much more redevelopment to come and all welcome.