BARROS + BYRNE

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Daniel Libeskind builds on very big ideas. Here, he shares 17 words that underlie his vision for architecture and that offer inspiration for any bold creative pursuit.

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The results have been announced. Check the winners here.

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1- Knowledge

An architect has the most appropriate training and experience to design, co-ordinate and manage your building project. An architect’s education covers a variety of areas, ranging from landscaping design to ergonomics, law, sociology, construction materials and techniques, etc. This diversity allows an architect to foresee many design options while analysing a wide range of requirements and restrictions.

 

2- Conceptualization

An architect has the ability to take client’s abstract ideas and put them into a form that you can visualise and discuss and more importantly give to a contractor to build.

 

3- Creativity

A talented architect can create projects that are not only functional but aesthetical beautiful or interesting. Architects are trained to use their imagination to solve problems.

 

4- Priority

An architect will prioritise your needs and requirements. An architect will act in your best interest at all times. He/she can look at the “big picture” and assist in determining your true needs and goals.

 

5- Cost-effectiveness

An architect helps save you time and money. A well designed building is sustainably more efficient and will have lower maintenance costs. This will also add to the value of your building. A skilled architect can help you to avoid trouble spots and advise about how to keep costs down.

 

6- Social Responsibility

An architect works for you and for the society. A building designed by an architect will contribute to a better quality of life of its occupants and also for a better built environment. A good environment can contribute to a more harmonious society where citizens feel connected and heritage and creativity are reconciled.

 

7- Exclusivity

An architect will help you to explore all the possible options for your project. The finally result will be a building that is specifically designed for your needs. If you had to dress the same clothes for the rest of your life would you buy them in a high street shop or would you get a dressmaker to design them for your specific needs?

 

8- Environmental awareness

A skilled architect will help you to achieve an environmental sustainable building. An environmentally-conscious design will contribute to comply with today’s demanding energy performance requirements.

 

9- Communication

A skilled architect has the ability to communicate ideas effectively - to clients, engineers, planners, contractors, etc. By communicating effectively an architect can assist with any unforeseen situations and solve problems creatively.

 

10- Administration

An architect will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises during construction and also make the contract run more smoothly. An architect will act fairly and impartially when administering a contract.

 

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The Irish government is downscaling its proposed actions for the policy on Architecture.

Read the Irish Times article here.

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This Prize is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe. The principal objectives are to recognise and commend excellence in the field of architecture and to draw attention to the important contribution of European professionals in the development of new concepts and technologies.

The 2009 edition awarded the Norwegian firm Snohetta and their new Operahouse in Oslo. It is a fantastic piece of Architecture, particularly in a country where no other cultural building of similar relevance was built in the last six centuries. I think it’s fantastic the way the building opens up to the sea, it is one of those projects that it’s hard to believe it will ever leave the drawing board.

Photo by RennyBA

I love the way the roofscape slopes down to embrace the sea creating an amazing public space around the building (and on the top!). This sloping plane is cladded with white marble slats and it’s fully accessible to the public. The slope is a bit too steep but those of you that have tried to connect a roof with the ground like it’s done here know the difficulties behind that. For that reason the roof is closed when it is icy because it would be easy to fall and end up swimming in the sea.  I hope there are lots of dry days in Norway so this dramatic building is fully usable for great enjoyment.

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The Lives of Spaces makes evident architecture’s great central responsibility – the shaping of the spaces that in turn shape society.

Showing at Farmleigh until the end of June, the exhibition will then tour to Kilkenny Castle where it will form part of Kilkenny Arts Festival in August, St Munchins in Limerick in September, and Belfast in early 2010.

The Lives of Spaces contains 9 film based projects in total. Each explores the central role of space in our society, how it frames and structures the patterns and practices of our collective life, from domestic to civic, from personal to public. Taken together, the nine pieces provide a portrait of Irish architecture, and of Irish society.

“The Lives of Spaces” at Farmleigh Gallery

13th May- 28th June 2009 Farmleigh, Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland

Opening times:

Tuesday/Wednesday 10am-4pm

Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday 10am-5pm

Open on Bank Holiday 1st June 10am-5pm

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Architect Norman Foster discusses his own work to show how computers can help architects design buildings that are green, beautiful and "basically pollution-free." He shares projects from throughout his career, from the pioneering roof-gardened Willis Building (1975) to the London Gherkin (2004).

Norman Foster: Building on the green agenda

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The Pritzker Architecture Prize is often referred to as "architecture’s Nobel" and "the profession’s highest honor". 2009 winner is Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.

Although most of his work is in Switzerland, he has designed projects in Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Norway, Finland and the United States. His most famous work is in Vals, Switzerland — the Thermal Baths.

Thermal Baths in Vals, photos by Gary Ebner, Ludwig Moos and Helene Binet.

Zumthor, when notified that he had been named the 2009 laureate, responded, “Being awarded the Pritzker Prize is a wonderful recognition of the architectural work we have done in the last 20 years. That a body of work as small as ours is recognized in the professional world makes us feel proud and should give much hope to young professionals that if they strive for quality in their work it might become visible without any special promotion.”

House in Leis, photo by Ludwig Moos

Based in the remote village of Haldenstein in the Swiss mountains, Zumthor develops buildings of great integrity. Declining a majority of the commissions that come his way, he only accepts a project if he feels a deep affinity for its program, and from the moment of commitment, his devotion is complete, overseeing the project’s realization to the very last detail.

Zumthor has a keen ability to create places that are much more than a single building. His architecture expresses respect for the primacy of the site, the legacy of a local culture and the invaluable lessons of architectural history.

  

Kolumba Museum in Cologne, photo by Michiel van Raaij

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Barros + Byrne are in its gestational period.

Our goal is to discuss here a number of issues that are part of our daily activity. We also plan to feature here the latest news and events to allow you to be inspired and interact with the contemporary Architecture.

Isabel Barros is a Senior Architect with over 13 years of experience. Isabel is originally from Portugal, she is a member of the Portuguese Association of Architects and also a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland-RIAI. She holds an extensive experience in residential, commercial and leisure projects and also in Master Planning. She is familiar with all stages of the construction process including concept design, planning application, detail design, tendering, construction supervision and office management.

Eibhlis Byrne is a Senior Architectural Technician with over 10 years of experience. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists- CIAT. Eibhlis’ experience includes design, planning and supervision of site works. She has been working in a wide range of projects from Residential to Commercial, Health services, etc.
We are in the process of starting up our own company   .  

As part of that we have created this blog to share our opinions and provide a bit of free advice  .

Please feel free to connect with us in LinkedIn.

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