Dún Laoghaire Baths Named Winner of AR Public Awards 2024

The Dún Laoghaire Baths by dlr Architects and A2 Architects has been announced as the proud winner of the prestigious AR public awards 2024. 

Originally built in 1843, the Dún Laoghaire Baths have been redeveloped by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, and include the restoration of a pavilion, a new jetty featuring in-built seating, a changing canopy, a refurbished Edwardian gazebo and a new walkway from Newtownsmith. This public space facilitates sea bathing, water sports and events, connecting residents with the Irish Sea.

The winning project was selected by a panel of judges including Ricky Burdett, professor of urban studies at the London School of Economics; Aziza Chaouni, associate professor of architecture at the University of Toronto and the founding principal of the design practice Aziza Chaouni Projects; and Günther Vogt, founder of Vogt Landscape Architects.

Günther Vogt said: "The architecture and outdoor spaces of the Dún Laoghaire Baths are powerfully designed to resist an unrelenting force of nature: the sea. The buildings and promenade nevertheless convey an inviting atmosphere. The materials seek a dialogue with the rocks in the surf - cast from gravel, water and cement, they appear like geological formations, both materially and in terms of the dimensions of the individual parts".

Architectural Review Public Live Event

To celebrate this achievement, dlr Architects will be presenting at an Architectural Review Public Live Event on Thursday, 8 August to delve deeper into the design and development of Dún Laoghaire Baths. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session following the presentation. 

Please register your free attendance here.

The full 2024 shortlist

• Rambla de la Girada by Batlleiroig Arquitectura in Spain
• Muelle de San Blas by Colectivo C733 in Mexico
• Dún Laoghaire Baths by dlr Architects and A2 Architects in Ireland
• Border library and sports centre by Fernanda Canales Arquitectura in Mexico
• National Portrait Gallery by Jamie Fobert Architects and Purcell Architects in the United Kingdom
• Wayair Foundation School by Jeju Studio and Arh+ in Tanzania
• Railway Forest Park by JSa in Mexico
• BookWorm Pavilion by Nudes in India
• La Petite Saussaie by Paysarchitectures in France
• Ger Innovation Hub by Rural Urban Framework in Mongolia
• Seven interventions in Monte by Studio Ser in Switzerland
• Tlatenchi Cultural Centre by Taller CD in Mexico
• Taiwan-Reyhanli Centre by The Centre for World Citizens in Turkey
• Jieshou Village Hall by Wang Weijen Architecture in China
• Tjalmaweg by ZJA in The Netherlands