In the Irish Architecture Awards, Balbriggan’s Lark Concert Hall won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) public choice category.
The project's tremendous reception, according to the organisers, is a testament to both its remarkable impact on the built environment and its popularity with the locals.
Among the forty-two projects that vied for the prize, the runners-up were Kinsale Library in County Cork and Castleblayney Library and Market Square Redevelopment in County Monaghan.
The Lark Concert Hall, according to RIAI President Sean Mahon, is a brand-new structure with 400 seats.
He explained to RTÉ's Morning Ireland that “it's concealed very well on the outside with the new space that sits very comfortably right beside a three-storey Georgian house building which is integrated into the new facility and provides support services for the facility.”
Thank you @DarraghOBrienTD ! Congratulations also from the RIAI to @TheLarkDublin and their Architects Stephen Foley Architects and Campus. We agree, the project demonstrates the transformational power of quality buildings at the heart of our towns and communities. https://t.co/kUGWtWLaUU
— RIAI (@RIAIOnline) June 21, 2024
This month, the general public cast more than 20,000 ballots online.
Mr. Mahon remarked that “the Lark Concert Hall truly exemplifies the excellence and innovation” that the prize stands for, and he praised the “extraordinary” degree of public participation this year.
It is “increasing public recognition of how quality architecture has the power to improve lives and shape the society we envision,” he stated.
The National Gallery of Ireland is hosting the presentation of the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards today.
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