Westport sculpture is nation's favourite

THE Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has announced Westport sculpture the Sentinel as winner of the Public Choice Award in advance of the 2016 RIAI Irish Architecture Awards this Friday.

The full list of winners in 17 categories will be revealed at Friday's awards ceremony in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

The public space and sculpture were commissioned by Westport Town Council to celebrate Westport being 'conferred' by the Irish Times as the Best Place to Live in Ireland.

The sculpture, called the Sentinel, by artist Ronan Halpin was the outcome of a national sculpture competition.

The public space around it was designed by Westport town architect Simon Wall, MRIAI, to celebrate the piece and integrate it into the townscape, while resolving a difficult junction between two streets.

It has become an important landmark within the town and is used as a gathering point for public events and socialising.

Now in its ninth year, the popular RIAI Public Choice Award gives the public the opportunity to have their say by voting for their favourite shortlisted project. The Public Choice Award received over 14,000 votes – the highest number of votes in the history of the award.

The Westport sculpture won the majority of votes followed by Hollyhill Library in second place, designed by Cork City Architect’s Department, and Mallow Urban Heritage Masterplan – phase 1, Thomas Davis Square in third place, designed by Mallow town architect Giulia Vallone and Cork County Council Architects Department.