University of Limerick student centre commended at 2026 RIAI Awards
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This year's awards ceremony celebrated registered architects across Ireland and internationally, recognising 24 projects across 12 categories.
The University of Limerick student centre has received an award in the Public Buildings category at the 2026 RIAI Awards.
This year's awards ceremony celebrated registered architects across Ireland and internationally, recognising 24 projects across 12 categories.
From restored heritage buildings and revitalised public spaces to innovative housing, schools and workplaces, the winning projects demonstrate architecture’s vital role in shaping the places and services that impact people every day.
The Public Buildings category saw the jury recognise diverse projects that positively impact society, a medical centre, a library, a community space and two third-level educational projects.
It was in this category that the University of Limerick student centre by Cotter & Naessens Architects received an award, joining a list of 24 projects that RIAI President, Fionnnuala May, said "demonstrate how good design can improve people's lives in meaningful and lasting ways".
“The RIAI Awards showcase the ability of architecture to respond to some of the most important challenges facing society today. From restored heritage buildings and revitalised public spaces to innovative housing, schools and workplaces, the winning projects showcased the impact of architectural excellence on buildings and places central to our everyday lives", the RIAI president explained.
Other projects awarded under the Public Buildings category included: Barretstown Medical Centre by McCauley Daye O'Connell Architects, East Meath Civic Centre by Robin Lee Architecture and Project Connect, RCSI by Henry J Lyons.
Also by Henry J Lyons, The International Award went to Ireland House Tokyo; the realised design of an international architectural design competition by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the RIAI.
In addition to the jury Awards, the RIAI Public Choice Award - where the Irish public voted for their favourite building or public space -was also revealed. The New Special Education Needs School in Letterkenny was voted Ireland’s favourite building in 2026, topping a shortlist of 44 projects.
Awards were presented to projects in a variety of other categories, including Adaptation and Re-Use, Living, Housing, Workplace and Fit-Out, Urban Living, Client, and Research.