http://www.riai.ie/news/ en sandra.oconnell@architectureireland.ie Copyright 2012 2012-02-02T17:16:59+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/registration_for_post_primary_school_architectural_design_competition_opens/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/registration_for_post_primary_school_architectural_design_competition_opens/#When:14:32:25Z The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and the Department of Education and Skills have launched a major new architectural design competition for the design of a new post primary school.  The site is located in the neighbourhood of Kingswood, Tallaght in West Dublin, close to Exit 10 southbound on the M50 ring road. Total floor area is 9,506 sq metres. Registration for the Competition opened on 9 January 2012. SUBMISSION CLOSING DATE IS TUESDAY 20 MARCH - Click here to register for the competition: All queries and questions to be emailed to: codwyer@riai.ie For more information Check Here For Competition Regulations Register Now for this competition    Competition Objectives The competition is an open two-stage design contest for an architect-led design team. Designers will be expected to: Comply with the Competition Brief Create an exciting, functional, stimulating and modern educational environment for pupils, staff, and all other school users. Create a truly modern and innovative learning environment for students and staff using the latest IT technology Design a sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly design consistent with andwhich builds on the standards which the Department is currently achieving in school design. Develop a design solution which offers flexibility for reproduction on other sites of similar size of complexity, with minimal alteration. Develop construction solutions which have the potential for accelerated delivery dates for school buildings whilst maintaining a high design standard. Create a design which embodies the principles and objectives of the Government Policy on Architecture 2009 -2015 Meets the principles set out in the Departments Design Team Procedures. Can be constructed within the cost parameters set out by the Department for post primary school buildings.    Commissions The Competition will be an Architect led Design Team Two-Stage Competition. Each team will consist of a Consultant Architect, Civil Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer and Quantity Surveyor or Cost Consultant. All disciplines should be appropriately qualified under the relevant European directives. A Project Supervisor for the Design Stage will be appointed separately to the project when the winning scheme is announced.  Following the Stage 1 submission, and Jury review, it is envisaged that a minimum of three and up to a maximum of seven schemes will be selected to proceed to Stage 2. Each of the Design Teams will receive an honorarium of €10,000.00 on completion of Stage 2. Following the jury review and recommendation, the winning Design Team will then be awarded the commission for the design and construction of their design, on the selected site. It would be expected that the level of detail to be provided at Competition Stage 2 should be sufficient to allow a planning application to be finalised. In the event of the project not proceeding to formal appointment of the Design Team within one year of the winning announcement, the Design Team will be paid an additional €40,000.00 to be subsumed as part of the overall project fee should it proceed later. The Department reserves the right to commission, or assign the commissions, for any or all of the premiated Stage 2 schemes and their Design Teams for further projects. The awarding of any subsequent project will be at the sole discretion of the Department, and will be dependent on, but not limited to a number of factors including geographic location, site suitability, design suitability and context, degree of scheme modification required to meet specific site conditions, practice resources and experience, project delivery requirements, available funding, etc. Queries and questions relating to the competition should be emailed to Claudia O’Dwyer, Competitions Officer, codwyer@riai.ie.   Architecture, Competitions 2012-01-06T14:32:25+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/michelle_fagan_is_riai_president_2012_13/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/michelle_fagan_is_riai_president_2012_13/#When:11:59:45Z   A practising architect with over 20 years of experience, Michelle Fagan has been elected as the RIAI President for the period 2012/13.  Michelle is a former Vice President of the RIAI (2008/9/10) and has served on Council for many years as well as on the Practice Sub Committee for Procurement. “I am honoured, excited and somewhat daunted to be taking on the role of President of the RIAI”, says Michelle Fagan. “For me the role of the President is to communicate and facilitate; to communicate to the members the importance of the Institute and the good work it does for them; and to communicate to the public the importance of architecture to their quality of life and the skills that the profession provides.” Fagan plans to facilitate the processes necessary to make this happen and during her Presidency would like to open discussions about methods for engaging the public, for becoming essential to our communities, and how to build on what we have learned from initiatives such as Simon Open Door and Open House. “I would like to focus on how we can encourage and support a general practice model and to encourage architects to become embedded in their communities culturally and politically.The RIAI, its members, the Council and the President are there to promote and support them. As a profession we must support each other, be proud of ourselves and have the courage of our convictions.” Michelle has been running award-winning FKLarchitects in Dublin with partners Paul Kelly and Gary Lysaght for 13 years. She has been in the frontline of current challenges to SMEs and the profession and has spoken extensively on the topic including at the RIAI Annual Conference 2010, Plan Expo Green and darc space. Coinciding with last year’s RIAI Annual Conference, she devised the 3Twenty10 research competition, which invited architects to put forward solutions to the many problems facing us in the built environment. Michelle Fagan set up FKLarchitects with Paul Kelly and Gary Lysaght in 1989. The practice is committed to a contemporary design aesthetic and has curated the Irish exhibition in the 2006 Venice Biennale. A graduate of DIT Bolton Street, Michelle Fagan worked in Dublin, Frankfurt and Berlin before setting up FKLarchitects. She has been Assessor of the RIAI Travelling Scholarship and served as guest critic at both DIT and UCD School of Architecture. www.fklarchitects.com Architecture, Practice, Press Releases 2012-01-05T11:59:45+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/new_campus_for_central_european_university_budapest/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/new_campus_for_central_european_university_budapest/#When:17:16:59Z O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects have recently won an architectural design competition for a new campus for the Central European University in central Budapest. The project incorporates a number of existing historic buildings and courtyards, two new buildings and courtyards and a new route through the city block. The attached image is a sketch by Sheila O’Donnell, showing one of the new buildings, housing a library and auditorium facing onto Nador Utca in central Pest. www.odonnell-tuomey.ie Architecture, Competitions 2012-02-02T17:16:59+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/open_meeting_of_the_riai_accessibility_task_force_9_february_2012/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/open_meeting_of_the_riai_accessibility_task_force_9_february_2012/#When:13:22:58Z The chair of the RIAI Accessibility Task Force, Ruth O’Reilly, has called for an open meeting, to be attended by RIAI members, who are interested in the work of the RIAI ATF, for Thursday 9 February at 1 pm. at 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, in the Members Room. Due to limited space availability 15 places are available for RIAI Members on a first come basis, by making a booking with Clare Finglas at cfinglas@riai.ie The agenda for the meeting will likely comprise of a number of short presentations of the work of the ATF; International Perspectives: Disability Access Certificates: Access in Health: Access in Domestic Work: Access to Historic Buildings. The Open meeting will conclude with an open discussion to include all of those attending the meeting. The members of the RIAI ATF are, Ruth O’Reilly, chair, Fionnuala Rogerson, Michael Mohan, Caitriona Shaffrey, Paul de Freine, Angela Rolfe, Maoliosa Molloy, Peter Derbyshire, Sean Mc Partlin and Joe Miller. If any Member who wishes to book has accessibility requirements, please advise Clare Finglas at the time of booking a place. [Pictured above is Aviva Stadium by STW Architects, Winner of the 'Best Accessible Building', 2011 RIAI Irish Architecture Award, photo: Donal Murphy] Architecture, Practice 2012-01-31T13:22:58+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_primary_school_design_series_2012_-_seminar_1_outdoor_space_play_and_s/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_primary_school_design_series_2012_-_seminar_1_outdoor_space_play_and_s/#When:15:19:45Z The RIAI Education Design Committee, in association with the Department of Education and Skills, present a series of seminars on primary school design scheduled monthly from February to June 2012. The aim of these seminars is to explore the main design elements of the primary school and to inform the review of the Primary School Brief that is currently being undertaken by the Planning and Building Unit and the Inspectorate of the DoES. The first seminar will take place on Thursday 16th February from 3pm – 5pm in the RIAI and attendance is €15 per session for RIAI members. Each seminar will feature five speakers and will be chaired by a member of the RIAI Education Design Committee. The speakers will make ten minute presentations on a topic related to the theme of the seminar. The presentations will be followed by a one hour discussion and refreshments will be served after the seminar.  Reservations for each seminar in the series will open four weeks in advance of the seminar date. Download the booking form for the first seminar in the series on Thursday 16th February Series Programme: Topic Date Chair Outdoor Space: Play and Sport* Thursday 16 February 3pm – 5pm Siobhan Ni Eanaigh School/Classroom/ Environment Thursday 22 March 3pm – 5pm Michael Grace Spatial relationships/Concourses/Other Spaces/ Community Spaces Thursday 19 April 3pm – 5pm Michael Mullen School Location and Size Thursday 17 May 3pm – 5pm Tom O’Connor Regulation/Accommodation of Pupils of Varied Ability Thursday 14 June 3pm – 5pm Paddy Fletcher *Reservations for each seminar in the series will open four weeks in advance of the seminar date.   CPD 2012-01-30T15:19:45+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/the_secret_laboratory_at_dublin_civic_offices_wood_quay/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/the_secret_laboratory_at_dublin_civic_offices_wood_quay/#When:09:42:10Z The acclaimed exhibition, The Secret Laboratory, is opening at Dublin Civic Offices on Tuesday, 31 January, 5pm and runs until 17 February 2012. The exhibition reveals the hidden world of the architect’s sketchbook. Shown together as a selection of local, national and international architects, the exhibition reveals the ideas, observations, thoughts and reflections that are often concealed in a drawer, a coat pocket or in the individual imagination of the architect. In our digital age the drawing and sketch still hold their value as being fundamental to artistic and theoretical practice: to record journeys, everyday objects, project development, conversations and things half seen and imagined. But what ideas do we carry with us? How do we use the ‘device’ of the sketchbook? The architects in this exhibition range from practitioners, writers, lecturers, critics, illustrators and artists, all working in different areas of architecture and in different ways. Revealed now in The Secret Laboratory: a series of private reflections made public. Curator Paul Clarke is an architect based in the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast where he is the Course Director for the Master of Architecture and runs the 6th year studio. This exhibition is curated as part of a larger research project by him. The exhibition was designed by Paul Clarke with Niall O’Hare (graduate of the MArch programme) who also built it in the school workshop. Further touring dates to be announced. Participating Architects: Grafton Architects Tom de Paor Shane O’Toole Peter Cody Ciaran Mackel FKL architects Paul Clarke Seamus Lennon Nigel Peake Peter McNie McCullough Mulvin Architects Michael Doherty Jane Larmour + Patrick Wheeler Gerry Cahill Sheila O’Donnell + John Tuomey   Architecture, Exhibitions 2012-01-30T09:42:10+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_skillnet_building_fabric_design_cpd_compliant_best_practice_dwellings/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_skillnet_building_fabric_design_cpd_compliant_best_practice_dwellings/#When:21:34:27Z The RIAI in partnership with Joseph Little Architects & Building Life Consultancy, present a CPD seminar on designing and detailing new and retrofitted dwellings in light of the changes to current practice that TGD L(2011) requires, and beyond that best practice.  Date: Mon 27 Feb, 9.30am to 6pm & Tue 28 Feb, 9.00am-1.00pm Location: RIAI 8 Merrion Square, Dublin Download the booking form View a comparison between the ‘CPD Roadshow: Part L 2011’, ‘Designing Low-Energy Domestic Refurbs’ and ‘Building Fabric Design’  Course Aim: Based on feedback from attendees at the RIAI ‘Designing Low-energy Domestic Refurbs’ course, this course has been created to support architects when designing & evaluating building fabric. A wide range of new build and retrofit construction systems are considered (and details provided) in light of compliance with building regulations, buildability, low levels of thermal bridging & bypass, high levels of airtightness & avoidance of condensation risks. While the course largely relates to domestic buildings and Part L(2011) compliance, commercial architects using masonry block and timber frame constructions will also find its low-energy building fabric focus useful. The course provides practical ‘problem solving’ support to ensure architects’ designs comply and exceed TGD L 2011. It includes discussions of construction issues and workshops on details from real projects (including those of attendees should they wish). In addition attendees at the course are given a booklet prepared by Joseph Little’s Building Life Consultancy showing retrofit and new build construction details (including thermal bridge values) that can be used as supplementary guidance to the Dept. of Environment’s Acceptable Construction Details (ACDs): some details have no equivalent in the ACDs while other are higher performing. Besides its value as a design guide this will enable attendees calculate lower y-values. Participants are required to complete a pre-learning exercise in advance of the course and a knowledge of DEAP* and prior attendance at the Part L Road Show or RIAI Designing Low-Energy domestic Refurbs is desirable. The course forms part of the RIAI Professional Certificate in Sustainable Design.      Learning Outcomes:  • A deeper understanding of TGD L(2011). To aid this comparisons will be made to TGD L(2005) and L(2008). • The ability to calculate a Y-value - a key input in DEAP now facilitated by Appendix D1-D6 of TGD L(2011), and a greater understanding of the central importance of low-thermal bridge design to best practice detailing. • Greater awareness of compliant and also best practice ways of building for a specific range of construction types, both new build and retrofit, exemplified in example construction details. This will be reinforced by a study of ways of building that are bad practice or becoming uncertifiable. • While presentation will be the main mode of learning, discussion, practical exercises and workshops will be used to draw on the knowledge of the attendees, and reinforce learning. • The course will not deal with the following areas dealt with in 'RIAI Designing Low Energy Domestic Refurbs': use of DEAP software, financial payback, ventilation systems, heating systems & controls. Special Requirements:  Attendees are asked to: 1) Read the pre-learning information and complete the associated exercise before attending. 2) Bring a pen, a notepad and a standard (non-scientific) calculator. 3) Attendees may submit 'problem' details or constructions, whether hypothetical or real, for workshop discussion. Attendees are asked to confirm any special accessibility or other requirements to the RIAI Skillnet in advance of the course date.   CPD 2012-01-26T21:34:27+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/secure_back-up_and_archiving_for_architects_drawings/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/secure_back-up_and_archiving_for_architects_drawings/#When:17:43:21Z   [Image shown: Bus Station, Garage for C.I.E., Donnybrook by Michael Scott, 1949, Courtesy IAA]   The RIAI strongly supports the Irish Architectural Archive (IAA) as an important public resource. RIAI President Michelle Fagan is an ex officio Member of the IAA Board, which includes several other RIAI Members. RIAI Director John Graby is Secretary to the IAA Board. We invite RIAI Members to support a new IAA project for a Digital File Repository to provide secure day-to-day back-up for drawing files and business records of RIAI practices, as well as a longer-term archival function. Click here for a one-page summary for practising architects. The RIAI encourages members to enquire about, and express interest in, the services of this repository: contact Colum O’Riordan at coriordan@iarc.ie or 01 6633040. Architecture, Practice 2012-01-26T17:43:21+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_bookshop_the_best_schools_in_the_world/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/riai_bookshop_the_best_schools_in_the_world/#When:17:35:41Z With the RIAI’s new Post Primary School Competition underway, architects and practices might be interested in new publications available from the RIAI Bookshop.  The title alludes both to the high quality and reputation of the Finnish education system and to the buildings created to support today's educational principles and teaching methods.  This book provides scholarly views on Finnish schools and schooling along with a rich pictorial accompaniment illustrating seven contemporary school buildings. The Best Schools in the World can be ordered from Brona King, RIAI Bookshop Manager at a cost of €20. Also available is R. Thomas Hille comprehensive study Modern Schools, A Century of Design for Education (€120). Hille is an architect, designer, educator, and researcher based in Seattle, Washington. He has a special interest in school design and the architectural potential of environments for learning.  To place your order, please send your request in writing to: bking@riai.ieor Fax: 01 6628593 or visit the RIAI Bookshop.     Architecture 2012-01-26T17:35:41+00:00 http://www.riai.ie/news/article/thursday_lunch_darc_space_16_february_aspects_of_urbanization_in_china/ http://www.riai.ie/news/article/thursday_lunch_darc_space_16_february_aspects_of_urbanization_in_china/#When:12:19:27Z Thursday Lunch @darc space, 16 February: 'Aspects of Urbanization in China' Dr. Gregory Bracken, an Irish expert in Asian studies, will lead the next Thursday lunch discussion @ darc space on 16 February with a talk on 'Aspects of Urbanization in China', based on his new book, which will be published in 2012 by Amsterdam University Press.This topical and thought-provoking book examines urbanization in China from an interdisciplinary perspective: architecture and urbanism but also from fields as diverse as social science, area studies, geography, and anthropology. The point of departure is always the city – in this case the cities of Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou – and the essays by Bracken and other contributors give a useful snapshot of such a rapidly developing discourse. A studio master at the Technical University of Delft’s Architecture Faculty, Gregory is also a Research Fellow at the International Institute for Asian Studies at Leiden University. He studied architecture at DIT Bolton Street (graduating with distinction in thesis in 1992) and then worked as an architect in Bangkok and Singapore before undertaking an M.Sc.Arch, with a specialisation in urbanism, at TU Delft (graduating cum laude in 2004). He followed this with a Ph.D. at Delft, which he successfully defended in 2009. He lives in Amsterdam. The monthly 'Thursday Lunch @darc space' (1-2pm)  is a forum for those with an interest in architecture and the built environment to meet, talk, lunch and debate topical issues.  Lunch is free but places are limited and booking is therefore essential by email to info@darcspace.ie or T 01 8788535.   Architecture, Events & Conferences 2012-01-26T12:19:27+00:00