Irish architect Niall McLaughlin vies for UK’s top architecture accolade

A lecture theatre designed by a UCD graduate is going head to head with a one billion euro corporate HQ to win the UK’s top award for architecture.

Irish architect Niall McLaughlin, who received his architectural qualifications from University College Dublin in 1984, is behind one of six entries for the 2018 RIBA Stirling prize.

He has been nominated for the UK’s top architecture accolade for his work on the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre at Worcester College, Oxford.

The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, which resembles a limestone temple includes an auditorium, a dance studio and teaching spaces

Occupying a whole block within the city of London, the Bloomberg HQ designed to house all their firms' employees under one roof

The graduate from the School of UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy faces stiff competition in his bid to win the 2018 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize.

Other entries for this year’s contest include a kindergarten in Cambridge, a prayer hall in a Jewish cemetery, student halls of residence in Roehampton, a gallery in St Ives and the most expensive corporate headquarters in British history, Bloomberg’s €1.1 billion HQ in London.

Mr Mclaughlin described his nomination as “an amazing compliment”.

“This Stirling Prize shortlisting is testament to the success of a wonderful team.

“The builders, carpenters, masons and gardeners have worked harmoniously with the design team to realise the work to the highest standard.

“The skill and dedication of everyone involved has given us the confidence to produce ambitious work,” he added.

The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre at Worcester College, Oxford

The Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, which resembles a limestone temple, was constructed at a cost of €10 million and includes an auditorium, a dance studio and teaching spaces set in protected parkland.

The winner of this year’s Stirling prize will be announced in in October.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations