Limerick County, Ireland
Bucholz McEvoy Architects

Photography © Michael Moran

An atrium breathes new life into government

"An attention to detail emanates from the building... indigenous materials used in a moving way." —Frances Huppert, FAIA Architect Bucholz McEvoy Architects www.bmcea.com Client Limerick County Council Key players John Sisk and Company (general contractor); Michael Punch & Partners (structural); Buro Happold (building services)

Program: The local government sought to create a civic building that would facilitate better service, accountability, transparency, and easy access to information for the public. The design team sought to provide comfortable working conditions for the staff, while reducing energy consumption in the building.

Solution: A glass and timber atrium, lined with counters where people can meet with local authorities, provides an accessible and efficient interface between the public and the government while also serving as the "ventilation lung" of the building, bringing fresh air into office spaces. The building uses only natural energy resources. Without a mechanical plant or air-conditioning unit installed in the structure, it has lower CO2 emissions. Special light fittings, designed by the architect with daylight sensors and dimmable ballasts, allow less artificial light to be used, and the building's prominent bris-soleil is constructed of timber from a replenishable source. The staff takes pride in its innovative home and the new institutional identity that it projects. The demonstrated success of the contact it allows between the government and the public is admired throughout Europe.

For more images please see the November 2004 issue or Architectural Record.
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