The RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) is administering a single stage ideas competition on behalf of the competition promoters, Holy Cross Parish Development Committee www.holycrossdundrum.org.

Holy Cross Parish Development Committee is seeking ideas from RIAI Members and Fellows who have experience or are interested in ecclesiastical works who may have suggestions to make for the improvement of the existing parish church building. Competitors should assume a budget of €300,000. Please see the cost plan for exclusions.
A Prize Fund of €10,000 is to be awarded at the discretion of the jury.

It is anticipated that the winner shall be successful in obtaining the commission of the project, subject to diocesan approval, from planning through to its completion through the normal stages, agreed fees etc.

Holy Cross Church, a protected structure on Main Street, Dundrum is located in the centre of Dundrum village since the 1800s. The village has seen enormous physical change to the built environment around it in the last number of years. The physical importance of the church, as a significant part of the landscape has reduced in against the new backdrop of commerce generated by Phase One of the Dundrum Centre, the By-pass, large apartment blocks and the by-pass roadway. Phase Two of Dundrum centre will have an even greater impact.

These changes offer not just challenges but opportunities which the Parish Development wishes to address and to also try and create an attractive, accessible ambience on Main Street so as to establish a presence which will draw people to enter into its calm and spiritual interior.

The improvements are to ensure that the various liturgies can take place with optimum effect and involvement of the congregation and to maximize the visual character of the church.

The ideas are to relate to the church itself, the ‘mortuary’ / shop and the sacristy area. The basement accommodation is not included. Areas of particular interest include Access, Lighting, the Choir Balcony, Statuary, Shrines / Candle Display / Notices and Decoration.

http://www.riai.ie/index.html?id=7439