West Cork Arts Centre

Two separate entries were entered into this competition.

The first entry’s guiding concept was to create a building that enhances the character of its environs and establishes an identifiable ‘place’; a landmark building that incorporates the vernacular in its form and materials, and sits comfortably in its location while reinforcing the urban form of the street. A two-part building comprising a cube of three stacked volumes overhanging the stream and a tall narrow gabled form are arranged around two different spaces - a public place bridging over the stream and an intimate sculpture garden to the rear.

The second entry’s objective was to create Arts Centre that had a dramatic and beautiful presence, so that “the public immediately realise they are in an arts centre”. The Art, Drama and Musicality of the uses are expressed in the form of the building. This building lies in the heart of Skibbereen, though in a slightly reduced position of prominence. The form attracts the public, creates a new civic sense of being and thus creates a new civic space.