The talk which followed Keith’s participation in a full day of undergraduate final year crits, was organised by Head of School Dr Luigi Pintacuda and Senior Lecturer & Programme Lead, Thomas Trail.
Entitled “Architecture of the Specific”, Keith explored the fundamental principles that have guided his work during his career.
Keith spoke on some of the firms’ key projects including Athlone Civic Centre, Ireland, the Unicorn Theatre, the National Opera House Wexford, Ireland, the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre, Canada, the upgrades that he is planning to the Spence Quarter at the University of Sussex, and the recently completed DeValera Library and Súil Art Gallery in Ennis, Ireland.
He expounded upon his key architectural motivations saying that…
“Our architecture centres on the interplay of space, light, form and material coupled with careful consideration for scale, history and context. I have tried to make buildings that achieve an aesthetic balance between the contemporary, the visionary and that which exists and I am very concerned with the way in which people experience architecture and process through my buildings.”
The lecture closed with reference to one of Keith’s overarching observations…
“In architecture there is a part that is logical, pragmatic, reasoned and there is a part that emerges from the sensual and the aesthetic. Without a fusion between these opposing principle, it seems unlikely that great architecture can ever be made.”
A great turnout of students, staff and guests concluded with a lively discussion on the work and and themes explored during Keith’s talk.
Our thanks go to Luigi and Thomas for the invitation and their organisation of a memorable day.