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VOTING FOR IRELAND’ S FAVOURITE BUILDING OR PUBLIC SPACE OPENS TODAY, AS THE 2026 RIAI PUBLIC CHOICE AWARDS ARE LAUNCHED
The search for Ireland’ s favourite building or public space begins today with the launch of the 2026 RIAI Public Choice Awards. 44 projects have been shortlisted for this year’ s award, which features projects from 12 counties as well as six international projects by Irish architects. The public has until 5pm on the 15 June to cast their vote for this year’ s winner.
The Public Choice Award is unique in that it is the only architectural award in the country decided by public vote. It is an opportunity for the public to reflect on how well-designed buildings and places can positively impact the quality of their daily lives by carefully considering the needs of our communities.
In total, the RIAI received 174 entries across categories such as public use, urban design, conservation, adaptation and re-use, housing and sustainability. Five architectural research projects were also shortlisted for the RIAI Awards and will be recognised in the awards presentation on 18 June. Last year’ s awards were tightly contested, with 14,000 votes cast by the public.
Architecture and Design: Shaping our Lives
This year’ s shortlist powerfully illustrates how architects shape the quality of everyday life, not just in individual buildings, but in the collective civic fabric of our country. The projects showcase how excellent architecture and design can determine the success and long-term value of public infrastructure projects.
The shortlist includes education projects such as the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland’ s new building on St Stephen’ s Green and a state-of-the-art special educational needs school in Letterkenny, which display how exceptional architecture elevates the daily learning, health, and lives of citizens. The inclusion of Barretstown Medical Centre and other important medical sites is an example of how smart design influences the delivery of critical healthcare services. The conservation and reopening of the Magazine Fort in Dublin’ s Phoenix Park shows how architects can transform once-inaccessible sites into vibrant and active public spaces.
RIAI President, Fionnuala May said,“ From health and education to heritage and housing, this year’ s awards demonstrate how outstanding architecture actively shapes the success of public buildings, infrastructure projects and places where we live. This is an excellent opportunity for the public to reflect on how public buildings and designed spaces impact on their enjoyment and quality of their daily lives. These awards show that good architecture is more than beautiful design, it is a societal investment – one that delivers lasting cultural, social, and economic returns for our society.”
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