Architecture awards - Public sector projects lead the way

THE perception of dullness, widely associated with the public service, is well and truly scotched by the annual awards for excellence in European architecture.

Undoubtedly, the most striking aspect of the four Irish winners of Britain’s prestigious RIBA Awards, is that they are all commissioned by divisions of the public service here.

Unlike other EU states, a surprising lack of adventure characterise the private sector when it comes to designing new architectural projects. Generally speaking, it appears the liberal spirit of the Celtic Tiger era has not rubbed off on promoters of most new developments.