Documentary shines spotlight on five architecturally and culturally significant buildings the construction company has helped bring to life
The premiere of a short film commissioned by leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has hit the big screen in Dublin.
Building Culture celebrates five architecturally and culturally significant buildings the company has helped bring to life, which were shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize, including two Northern Ireland projects – the Lyric Theatre and the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.
The film also features the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, which was named winner of the prestigious architecture award in 2014, as well as focusing on the iconic National Portrait Gallery in London and Cambridge Central Mosque.
The exclusive Dublin screening was held in the boutique Stella Cinema, Rathmines, on Thursday 22nd October, and hosted by Irish broadcaster and journalist, Claire Byrne.
A key focus of Building Culture is to shine a light on the levels of collaboration required to bring ambitious designs to life, as buildings which make a difference to the people who use them and the communities they serve.
The screening was followed by a Q&A session with some of the brilliant minds behind these iconic projects. The panel included Róisín Heneghan, acclaimed Irish architect and designer, and co-founder of the globally recognised Heneghan Peng Architects and Ian Rudolph, renowned London-based architect and current Practice Director at Marks
Barfield Architects.
Managing Director of Gilbert-Ash, Ray Hutchinson, said the common thread amongst all five projects celebrated in the documentary was the remarkable level of collaboration between everyone involved.
He said: "These projects are among the best work we have delivered at Gilbert-Ash. We have been privileged to work with some of the world’s leading organisations and architects to bring them to life.
"Our teams were challenged by each design, pushing the boundaries of what could be built. Through partnership and co-operation, we worked as one to deliver outstanding buildings for our clients.
“At Gilbert-Ash we have a long history of working on projects in Ireland and working closely with clients, architects, consultants, sub-contractors and other stakeholders.
“We are proud of our work in Ireland and our recently opened headquarters on Dublin’s Dawson Street is a commitment from us to further expand our footprint across the country.
“We were delighted to host the Building Culture Dublin premiere at the historic Stella Cinema, a Rathmines landmark since 1923, and welcome guests from across the design and construction industry, as we watched our work take centre stage on the big screen.”
Gilbert-Ash’s portfolio of landmark developments across Ireland and the UK continues to grow. The company is currently on site in Dublin delivering two major hotel projects – Premier Inn O’Connell Street and Premier Inn Jervis Street, which are due to open in 2027.
Last year it completed a citizenM Hotel also in Dublin which marked the global hospitality brand’s entry to the Irish market.
Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration.