TWO innovative Irish buildings have received awards from Britain’s Civic Trust for their outstanding architecture and positive civic contribution.
Waterford city's Medieval Museum and Athlone’s Luan Gallery were both chosen from 238 applications Europe-wide.
Eamonn McEneaney, Director, Waterford Museum of Treasures, which incorporates the Mediaeval Museum, said: “We’re delighted to win this prestigious award. Since it opened the Medieval Museum has, been consistently voted the number one visitor attraction in Waterford City on Trip Advisor.”
The eye-catching lines of the new building incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault.
Westmeath’s Luan Gallery received its Civic Trust Award for similar imaginative architectural blending of the modern and the old.
The first purpose built venue for the display of contemporary art in the Irish midlands, the gallery overlooks the Shannon, and is centred around a remodelled historic Father Mathew Hall, a former Temperance building.
The €3.5million complex was designed by London-based Keith Williams Architects. It won the RIAI Best Cultural Building Award in 2013.
The Civic Trust Awards are the longest-standing architectural and built environment awards scheme in Europe that recognise the very best in European architecture, design, planning, landscape and public art.
The body has commended over 6,000 buildings across the world during its 55-year existence.
