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Ceide Fields Visitor Centre (1992 - 1994)
Architect:
Mary McKenna, Office of Public Works
Award Type:
RIAI Gold Medal
Location:
Mayo
This building marks the entrance to a 5,000-year-old Neolithic habitation. It houses interpretative exhibitions, audio-visual theatre and tea-room. A unique challenge was presented in sympathetically placing a building in this beautiful and sensitive environment.
The architect’s response was influenced by the traditional use of simple, strong form; familiar examples are the Martello towers and lighthouses on the coastline. The pyramid shape was selected, a unified peak growing out of the bog to form a natural extension of the landscape. The landscape and building join and are connected by the external steps.