Mr. McCloud’s membership was awarded at the recent Architecture Night in Belfast – a superb event aimed at celebrating first-class Northern Ireland architecture. Held in the recently decommissioned, former Belfast Telegraph Print Works building on Royal Avenue. Along with a showcase of local architecture, guests were treated to food, drink and live music by Duke Special.
Commenting on the honourary RSUA membership, Kevin McCloud, said, “I am very privileged to be honoured in this way by the RSUA, having long admired the output that comes from architects in Northern Ireland every year. It’s clear to see that the province really punches above its weight in terms of architecture, and that the profession is richly talented here.
“I am also encouraged by RSUA initiatives such as Architecture Night, to highlight the important contribution that architecture makes to culture, heritage, tourism, the economy and wider society in Northern Ireland.”
Ciarán Fox, Director of the RSUA, commented, “There are some great examples of Northern Irish architecture that are really pushing the boundaries and we celebrated that in style at this inaugural Architecture Night, which connected people who share the desire to make Northern Ireland a more attractive place.”
The Architecture Night was supported by JP Corry, Ceco, Hays, Metal Technology and AECOM and was used to highlight the very best of work by Northern Irish architecture students. There was also a section dedicated to the architectural pavilion competition – a competition providing local architects under the age of 40 with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent in designing a pavilion for Belfast, around this year’s theme of ‘comfort’.
The RSUA & JP Corry Multi-Comfort Pavilion Design Competition 2016 for Young Architects was inspired by the annual Serpentine Pavilion in London’s Hyde Park and the success of the Yellow Pavilion in Kings Cross last year which was designed by Belfast practice Hall McKnight as part of an international programme of events to showcase Irish design talent.
For more information on the RSUA, visit www.rsua.org.uk
