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O'Donnell & Tuomey facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

O'Donnell + Tuomey is a famous architecture company based in Dublin, Ireland. They are known for designing many interesting buildings. Experts have called them "the godfathers of contemporary Irish architecture." In 2015, they won the important Royal Gold Medal from the RIBA. This award is one of the highest honors in architecture.

Who Are O'Donnell + Tuomey?

The company was started in 1988 by two architects, Sheila O'Donnell and John Tuomey. Before starting their own firm, they both worked for another well-known architect, Stirling Wilford, in London.

Sheila and John were part of a group called Group 91 Architects. This group helped plan the big makeover of the Temple Bar area in Dublin in the early 1990s. This project helped make Temple Bar a lively cultural spot.

Both Sheila and John also teach architecture at University College Dublin. They have given talks at many famous universities around the world. These include Harvard Graduate School of Design and Princeton University in the USA, and Cambridge University in the UK.

In 2010, they were made Honorary Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. This means they were recognized for their great contributions to architecture in America. In 2013, their company won the ICON Architecture Practice of the Year Award.

What is Their Design Philosophy?

John Tuomey once explained what he believes architecture is all about. He said that he and Sheila think architecture should "give shape to everyday routines of society." This means their buildings are designed to fit into people's daily lives. They want their buildings to feel like a natural part of the community. They believe buildings should help create a sense of society.

Amazing Buildings They Designed

O'Donnell + Tuomey became widely known for their early projects. Their work on the Irish Film Centre won an award in 1992. Their design for the Gallery of Photography also won an award in 1996.

Since then, they have designed many other important buildings:

  • The Lewis Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork. This building was so special that the Irish postal service, An Post, even put it on a stamp in 2013!
  • The Irish display at the Venice Biennale in 2004. This is a big international art and architecture exhibition.
  • The Ranelagh Multidenominational School. This school won the RIAI Triennial Gold Medal in 2005.

Several of their projects have been nominated for the very prestigious Stirling Prize. This award is for the best new building by a British architect.