The RIAI Buildings for All Award is designed to demonstrate best practice in accessibility, inclusion and universal design. Submissions must demonstrate how the principles of universal design have been integrated. They must show the extent of consultation and co-design with end-users so that the built environment can be used easily, safely and with dignity for the enjoyment of all.

Projects shortlisted for the 2020 and 2021 awards were visited by members of the RIAI Universal Design task force. They report back to the Chair of the Awards Jury, who is appointed by the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design, and jointly a recommendation is made for these awards. Our sincere thanks to the CEUD for their support and assistance.

The RIAI Building for All Award for Universal Design 2020

Winner: Rochestown House Phase III
Architects: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Architects’ Department - DLR Architects
Client: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Location: Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

Jury Citation: This is a small development of 12 one-bedroom own-door apartments and 2 detached two-bedroom accessible houses. They have been carefully located between two existing refurbished and extended blocks of apartments for older people in the walled garden of Rochestown House. The scheme creates a warm, welcoming and beautifully landscaped environment of infinite variety, carefully designed and detailed using good quality materials. The range of typologies available caters for residents with varying degrees of independence. One resident of a wheelchair accessible house remarked: “Even if I had a million euros I wouldn’t change anything”.

Highly Commended: Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre

Architects: Mayo County Council Architects’ Section
Client: Mayo County Council
Location: Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Jury Citation: The clients and architects have demonstrated the value of having informal meetings and consultations with disability groups and Occupational Therapists at each stage of the design and construction process, as well as during the pre- and post-occupancy period. Good access, an inclusive environment and universal design have all been achieved through collaboration and care.

Highly Commended: Candle Community

Architects: McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects
Clients: Candle Community Trust
Location: Ballyfermot, Dublin

Jury Citation: The Candle Community required that the impact of building design on the emotional wellbeing was primary, as it provides educational, therapeutic and social services for young people. The architects have succeeded, by the careful use of scale, height, light, materials and plan form to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has a positive impact on outcomes for the young people using its services.

The RIAI Building for All Award for Universal Design 2021

Winner: National Rehabilitation Hospital

Architects: O'Connell Mahon Architects
Clients: National Rehabilitation Hospital
Location: Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

Jury Citation: The National Rehabilitation Hospital demonstrates the positive impact of involving diverse users throughout the design process by providing an environment specifically meeting the requirements of patients and staff. Consideration of Universal Design principles is evident from design concept through to detail design. This includes landscaping and access to nature, capturing views to the Dublin Mountains, natural light and ventilation, as well as easy circulation, way-finding and use of colour.

Commended: Donnybrook Parish Centre

Architects: Deaton Lysaght Architects
Clients: Donnybrook Parish
Location: Donnybrook, Dublin

Jury Citation: The Donnybrook Parish Centre demonstrates how careful, thoughtful design and scale can make a positive intervention. The project is cleverly integrated into the existing Victorian priests’ houses and parish meeting facilities, contributing to improved access to those heritage buildings. The external environment is well laid out with car parking, landscaping and seating.

Commended: Microsoft OMC

Architects: COADY Architects in association with Perkins & Will
Client: Microsoft Ireland
Location: Leopardstown, Co. Dublin

Jury Citation: This complete renovation of an existing office building demonstrates the client’s and architects’ commitment to providing an inclusive work environment through careful attention to detail design and integration of universal design features throughout the building circulation, workspace and staff facilities.

The RIAI Building for All Awards Jury

Jim Harrison (Chair)
Mark Costello, Isoilde Dillon, Bernadette Egan, Ruth O’Reilly, Fionnuala Rogerson, Angela Rolfe, Cliona Rooney, Caitriona Shaffrey and John Sugars.

Thank you to the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) for their support.