The Opus Awards are unique in that they recognise and acknowledge
excellence in both design and construction, with the assessors visiting all the shortlisted projects before making their final decisions. That process is currently underway.

Projects have been submitted from architectural practices of all sizes and from virtually every corner of the country. They include Scott Tallon Walker; MCO Projects; Paul Keogh Architects; O’Brien Beary Architects; McCullough Mulvin Architects; De Blacam Meagher; Sean Harrington Architects; Gerry Cahill Architects; Murray O’Laoire; Shay Cleary Architects; Iarnroid Eireann with BDP; Henry J Lyons & Partners; Bucholz McEvoy Architects; and the Office of Public Works Architectural Department.

The student entries are particularly strong for 2009 with the shortlisted finalists including four from the DIT School of Architecture; four from UCD School of Architecture; and three from Queens University Belfast.

Given that most of the entries now reflect the integration of eco solutions and technologies into the designs, it is appropriate that the Awards will be presented in the specially-built EcoBuild Theatre within Plan Expo at 11am on Tuesday, 3 November, at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin 4.

Commenting on the awards which are presented and sponsored by Plan Expo in association with RIAI and CIF, Garret Buckley, Joint Managing Director, Expo Events, said:

“The Plan Expo OPUS awards is one of the highlights of the architectural calendar and champions the home-grown talent among Irish architects. In a rapidly-changing construction sector, innovation in design and an increasing emphasis on sustainability will set Irish architecture apart from its global competitors. The calibre of entries submitted this year is outstanding and once again confirms that the profession is still pushing boundaries and creating designs that are world-class.

“Never before has the importance of incorporating eco technology into designs for future domestic and commercial buildings been more important. In light of recent legislation, this is set to continue as more and more commercial and private schemes embrace greener solutions.

“By incorporating the awards this year within the Ecobuild Theatre at Plan Expo, the winning entries will be more accessible and enable us to showcase the talent and commitment of architects in Ireland. Thereafter, the Award winners will be showcased for the duration of Plan Expo on a dedicated Opus Awards Pavilion featueing board displays of all the winning projects.”

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