Ireland’s Best Architectural Practice
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One of my favourite up-and-coming architectural practices are Deady Gahan Architects (DGA) based in Little Island in Cork. Set-up by 2 former RKD McCarthy Lynch architects, David Deady and Eamonn Gahan, the fledgling firm have already made a name for themselves with their own distinctive style.
See images below. May include some of these on the thread Cork Architecture: Interesting Lesser Knowns .
Redeveloped Credit Union – Passage West, Cork – note cladding
St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union – extension and refurbishment of existing 18th Century House.
New Medical Centre in planning for the Lee Road (former Bowen Construction HQ)Lexington,i am aware that “everyone is entitled to their own opinion” but im worried that people may come on this site who know little about architecture, and see what is posted above as being Ireland’s Best Architecture. It is quite clear that the examples above are no more (or less) than painfully mediocre and unadventurous modern architecture, driven by a budget matched in size only by the inovation use to execute the scheme. This is not the best architecture ireland can produce by any stretch of the imagination.
@what? wrote:
Lexington,i am aware that “everyone is entitled to their own opinion” but im worried that people may come on this site who know little about architecture, and see what is posted above as being Ireland’s Best Architecture. It is quite clear that the examples above are no more (or less) than painfully mediocre and unadventurous modern architecture, driven by a budget matched in size only by the inovation use to execute the scheme. This is not the best architecture ireland can produce by any stretch of the imagination.
I don’t believe people are in the mostly stupid – at the beginning of this thread, I did state that this is not necessarily about Ireland’s best practice, but about the practices’s that members feel are worth noting. Clearly what speaks to one, doesn’t speak to the other. I am merely posting practices which I like, and I believe I am entitled to do so. Part of this forum is to leave such topics open to debate – and that’s what I would like to see. Why don’t you post the links, or images, you feel best represent prime Irish architecture? Rather than knocking the opinions of others, post your preferences, I am most anxious to see them as I believe it will open up the scope of such debate further – and that’s a good and healthy thing.
I must ask Paul Clerkin if he would be willing to open up a Poll on a particularly date regarding this – if perhaps each interested member is allowed post up to 5 of their favourite examples of contemporary Irish Architecture (and the firms behind them) – and say, in a month, a poll is opened for a week to allow persons vote on the practice they best feel is Ireland’s current Best Architectural Practice for 2005. Is it possible Paul?
So what? contribute, what would you believe best represents the flame for Ireland’s highest architectural standards in the modern day? 😮
Genuinely interested in hearing What’s? view on what practices are representative of the best that’s out there. No need to batten down hatches. I know nothing of any of the practices above apart from Box and I would still think that their residential practice is interesting.
Let the dialogue begin…..I do not want to get into a protracted argument over what right someone has to attack someone else’s opinion on a discussion website. Despite the fact the title was rescinded in the first line of the forum the fact remains it is called “Ireland’s Best Architectural Practice”. As someone seriously interested in Irish Architecture I am justified in expressing my disgust at commercially driven buildings with little to no architectural integrity being proposed publically as the best Architecture this country can produce, just as a serious musician for example, would feel violated at the suggestion that Ronan Keating is the pinnacle of Irish Music . The question is not which architect can provide the best service to a client. Good architecture is not mere facilitation.
It is my opinion that O’Donnell Tuomey are the best practice currently working in Ireland. They bring a gravitas and poetry to their better projects which goes beyond simply regurgitating modernism.
amongst a healthy group of younger practices who are doing interesting work i would say Hasset Ducatez and Tom de Paor particularily stand out as having something interesting to say.
@what? wrote:
It is my opinion that O’Donnell Tuomey are the best practice currently working in Ireland. They bring a gravitas and poetry to their better projects which goes beyond simply regurgitating modernism.
I agree O’Donnell Tuomey are an insightful firm, but they wouldn’t be my choice for best practice – but that’s okay because that’s your opinion. And I’m not going to spear it. But that’s kind of what I for one would like to see on this thread – opinions! We can all judge later. Thanks for that. 😮
Architecture in this country however, like it or loathe it, is predominantly commercial/owner driven – every so often a gem makes its face known, but I don’t accept that these buildings represent the extent of Irish talents either. Far from it.
heres a good place to start lookin if your trin’ to find them lexington.
Lexington, do you think we should applaud mediocrity?
@what? wrote:
Lexington, do you think we should applaud mediocrity?
I think what you and many others may look for in architecture isn’t what I and others may look for in it. But the value someone places on opinion can’t be discounted by others merely because they classify it as mediocre. It would be a contradiction to do so, as determination of preferences is formed by opinion as well. If you believe something to be mediocre, I can’t argue with that, but it doesn’t mean you’re right. Likewise, I would ask you to provide the same mutual respect.
Many of the architects I know see ingenuity and beauty in structures I quite frankly think are an eyesore – but they look at it from a professional, technical perspective. What they see may be indeed innovative from that point of view – but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Sure I appreciate technical innovation, but what I seek from architecture is rooted in a client/investor perspective blended with personal tastes. Quite often, economics may have a greater dictation over the outcome of a project than preference and as such, a compromise must be found. A good architect seeks a way to maximise the aesthetics of a project given a limited or designated budget – quite often, it is such limits that inspire architects and engineers to innovate. I have always believed architecture should be about enhancing the aesthetics of a project and its associated home – but for me, architecture has to do those things, given a budget. With a blank cheque, I’m sure many of Ireland’s existing structures may have been vastly different.
A good example of perspective is the Victoria Mills development in Cork designed by Derek Tynan & Associates (see his website http://www.dtarch.com). I, personally believe that it is among Ireland’s most horribly designed projects for many many years – however, when I talk to many architects, the rave on about it. So, in answer to your question, mediocre is sometimes a matter of perspective. However, there are many common projects that are clearly lazy and uninspired from an architectural professional view-point and a client/public view-point ~ such commonality should indeed seek to restrict such design implementation. It is true, some architects are just plain lazy – and its more a matter of the quick buck rather than a dedication to the principals and progression of the profession. Out there, in the domain, many architectural practices are trying their damn best to innovate, inspire and create – to add and help revolutionise ideas about architecture. I don’t think there’s a choice really in whom we should be applauding when we weigh these camps up against one another.
I believe that certain pieces of architecture communicate amongst other things innovation, progression, an understanding of their place in history and culture, an attempt to say something either quietly or with force but above all integrity of intent. This is architecture of quality
bog standard curtain-walled envelopes around an apathetically arranged series of spaces does not communicate anything but the laziness/ greed of the architect and client.
of course every building cannot be great. we need these quick fixes for the economy. but they are not good architecture.
cheapness is not an admirable quality. The provision of quality at a low cost is. Much of the best architecture costs less per m2 than the usual developments we see all around us. this is down to the ingenuity of the designer rather than simplification of the project.
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