Galway’s Pálás arthouse cinema has scooped yet another architecture award from the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland.
The Pálás cinema took home the Best Cultural/Public Building architecture award the 30th annual RIAI awards in Dublin on Friday.
The arthouse cinema on Merchants Road was designed by Tom de Paor and is run by Element Pictures.
The grey-fronted concrete building in the heart of the Latin Quarter towers over surrounding buildings down by the Spanish Arch.
It has received praise for its painted glass windows that light the interior in vibrant blues and yellows which previously won the Pálás Best Use of Colour at the World Architecture Awards in December.
The 22 resin-coated windows were created by Irish artist Patrick Scott.
The RIAI awards showcase the best work done by Irish architects whether they’re designing buildings here or abroad.
Tom de Paor has said that the design of the Pálás is meant to be a contemporary of the Irish history of buildings that are plain and powerful on the outside, but dressed up on the inside.
In total the RIAI handed out awards for 23 buildings across 14 categories last Friday.
With over 10,000 votes cast, the Public Choice Award was scooped by An Ríocht, Scoil Chríost Rí, Boys National School,Caherdavin, Limerick designed by Drake Hourigan Architects.
David Browne, RIAI President said that variety of projects shortlisted this year shows the “diversity of great work being carried out by Irish architects at home and abroad”
“Their contribution is invaluable in terms of enriching our daily lives – our homes, schools and colleges, hospitals and the public spaces we enjoy.”
Carole Pollard, who chaired the jury deciding the awards said that the shortlist was made up of “exceptional projects including residential homes, commercial spaces, schools, heritage locations and public spaces”
“It’s encouraging that Irish people recognise the value that Irish architects add to all aspects of the built environment”.
