West Cork Competition

• Location Chicago, Illinois
• Design 2009
• Construction 2009
• Client STL
• Colaboration with Jesus de la Fuente, Architect

Due to its programmatic content and its location in the heart of Skibbereen, the new West Cork Arts Centre is destined to become both a town beacon and a destination point for the West Cork region and beyond. Not only must the building reflect its importance with a strong and symbolic physical presence, it must do so as it resolves a rich and complex program comprising exhibition spaces, workspaces and administration areas.

Morphologically speaking, the project is divided into two elements: a lower plinth and a potent upper volume that holds within the majority of the program.The plinth consolidates the ground level and addresses the environs on either side of the Project. Built of local stone in continuity and dialog with existing walls immediately below, the front wall maintains the single-story edge which currently defines the river bank on the adjacent sites. A wide bridge breaks the wall and invites pedestrians into a generous court, allowing the visitor a feeling of arrival and creating a brief spatial relief within the city fabric.