Andrew Devane facts for kids

Andrew Devane (born November 3, 1917 – died January 15, 2000) was a famous Irish architect. He was born in Limerick. He studied architecture at University College Dublin and graduated in 1941. Later, he traveled to the United States to learn from the very famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

After returning to Ireland, Andrew Devane joined an architecture firm. He became a partner in the company, which was then called Robinson, Keefe & Devane. Some of his most well-known designs include Stephen Court and the Irish Life Centre in Dublin. Stephen Court was even praised for how well it fit in with the old Georgian architecture buildings around it.

Andrew Devane's Career

After finishing his studies at University College Dublin (UCD), Andrew Devane started working at an architecture firm called Robinson & Keefe. He was offered a chance to become a partner, but he decided to wait. Around this time, Devane got in touch with a famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Studying with Frank Lloyd Wright

In 1946, Devane went to America to join the Taliesin Fellowship. This was a special school where talented young architects could learn directly from Frank Lloyd Wright. Devane really admired Wright. He once said that all architects, including himself, were inspired by Wright's amazing work.

Forming Robinson, Keefe & Devane

When Devane came back to Ireland in 1948, he accepted the partnership offer from Paddy Robinson and Cyril Keefe. Together, they formed the architecture firm Robinson, Keefe & Devane. Today, this company is known as RKD Architects.

Andrew Devane's Life

Andrew Devane was born on November 3, 1917, in Limerick. His father, Dr. John Devane, was a doctor at St. John's Hospital, Limerick. In 1950, Andrew married Maureen Ashe, and they had three sons: Richard, Martin, and Tony. Maureen passed away in 1977.

Later in his life, Devane spent a lot of time helping others. He did much charity work, especially for Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. He died in Calcutta on January 15, 2000.

Selected Buildings and Designs

Andrew Devane designed many different types of buildings. Here are some of his notable works:

• Journey's End, a house in Howth for his own family.
• St Mary's Girls' School in Limerick.
• St. Patrick's Training College in Drumcondra, which included a church, gym, dining hall, and library.
• A special unit for urology at Meath Hospital in Dublin.
• Stephen Court in Dublin, built for Irish Life.
• A.I.B. Bankcentre in Ballsbridge, Dublin, which was a large office and computer center.
• Irish Life Centre on Lower Abbey Street, which had a swimming pool, a theater, and even gardens on the second floor.
• St. Lelia's Church in Limerick.
• St. Fintan's Church, along with its bell tower and parish center, in Sutton, County Dublin.
• The Irish Pavilion at the New York World's Fair, which was a temporary building.

Interior of chapel in St Patrick's College, Drumcondra