Preparing to take the Mutual Recognition Agreement Exam

On Tuesday 8th April 2025 the chapter held a session on Preparing for the UK/USA Mutual Recognition Agreement for architects presented by Alex Miller, AIA RIBA and Bryan Oknyansky, AIA hosted at KPF architects offices in Covent Garden. The chapter has considered and campaigned for Mutual Recognition since its founding. Now with the process up and running as adminstered by the ARB, Bryan and Alex shared their experience as two of the early cohort to successfully pass the adaptation assessment exam. The event was well attended by practitioners at various career stages. We were appreciative that our guests included the attendance of Chris Williamson, RIBA, the 2025-2027 RIBA President.

While the ARB has refined the information available for candidates since launch including the Reference Sources Resource list, no study guide as such been available until now.

We trust the recording from this event and the slides from the presentation adapted as a guide assist future candidates seeking reciprocity.

Please find the event recording HERE and the presentation slides HERE.

Written by Alex Miller, AIA RIBA

Movie Night - Green Over Grey: Emilio Ambasz

“Every building is an intrusion into the plant kingdom and is a challenge to nature: we must devise an architecture that stands as the embodiment of a covenant of reconciliation between nature and construction, designing buildings so intrinsically connected to the surrounding environment that they cannot be separated from each other.”

— Emilio Ambasz

This powerful statement by Emilio Ambasz sets the tone for a vital and timely conversation—one that interrogates not just how we build, but why we build, and what values are embedded in our built environments. Ambasz’s words remind us that architecture is never a neutral act; it is an intervention that carries a responsibility to nature. His philosophy calls for more than sustainable design—it demands a deep, emotional, and structural integration between human-made forms and the natural world.

We concluded our Winter movie series with a sold-out screening of Green Over Grey: Emilio Ambasz at the BFI Screening Rooms. While sustainability and green architecture are often seen as contemporary movements, this documentary urges us to reconsider that narrative. What if we had embraced green architecture as early as Ambasz proposed? How different might our cities, our climate, and our daily lives be today?

Emilio Ambasz, born in Argentina in 1943, is an architect and industrial designer who also served as a curator and has authored several books on architecture and design. Though influential across numerous disciplines, Ambasz is increasingly recognised today as a visionary advocate for green architecture and an ecological approach to the built environment. For more than four decades, he has called for a reimagining of the relationship between human structures and the natural world, envisioning a future where nature is not an afterthought, but the very foundation of design.

Green Over Grey takes a broad look at green architecture by focusing on four of Ambasz’s seminal buildings—one from each decade between the 1970s and 2000s: the Casa de Retiro Espiritual (1975), the Lucille Halsell Conservatory at San Antonio Botanical Garden (1982), the ACROS Building (1990), and the Ospedale dell’Angelo (2008). These projects serve as both historical milestones and living case studies, underscoring Ambasz’s enduring commitment to a vision of architecture that is inseparable from the natural landscape.

Featuring exclusive interviews with renowned architects such as Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma, Green Over Grey explores the emotional and transformative power of architecture—demonstrating how buildings can not only fulfil functional needs, but also uplift, heal, and harmonise with the planet.

The film leaves us with a powerful challenge: to build not just efficiently, but meaningfully—to create spaces that are as alive as the ecosystems they inhabit.

Thank you to all who attended both sold-out Winter movie screenings. We look forward to welcoming you—and other members—back to our Autumn movie screenings in September.

Written by Chris Musangi, AIA

Photo Credits: Chris Musangi, AIA

AIA CONTINENTAL EUROPE & AIA UNITED KINGDOM CONFERENCE / Cork, Ireland – ‘Genius Loci’ – Part III

The circular square at the Munster Technological University left a vivid, lasting, impression.  Photo Credit: G Meagher AIA

Day 3 & 4: Site Visits / Further Talks and Extension Day

After Saturday’s convivial dinner, the attendees regrouped on Sunday morning for a bus trip to the Bishopstown Campus of Munster Technological University (MTU) before returning to CCAE for the final afternoon session.  

• Shane de Blacam, Founder & Director de Blacam and Meagher Architects

Those few attendees who were not familiar with de Blacam’s work did not  anticipate grand architecture from a small technical college in Cork’s suburban outskirts.  However, on entry, they found MTU’s training facilities, student areas and a library encircling a main ‘square’ that made an unexpectedly strong architectural statement. 

With similar admiration, the Royal Academy on awarding de Blacam its 2003 Architecture Prize, described the MTU as ‘a brick colossus that elevates the former Institute of Technology … into a campus worthy of its new status as a Technical University’.  Read more about the architect and the MTU campus HERE and HERE.

Although all attendees tried, no one photographer could fully capture the circular enclave or the absorbing interior spaces.  MTU won the distinction of being the most photographed building of the Conference.  

Photo Credits: H Kessler FAIA & RD Reber AIA

Back at CCAE, the attendees were delighted when the MTU’s architect, de Blacam, joined the Conference, not only to discuss the MTU project, but also to repeat a talk he gave in London in 2023 on receipt of the Royal Academy architectural award.  

His anecdotes – full of wit and dry humour -referenced his early travels in America, his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, his work with Louis Kahn on the Mellon Centre for British Arts and Studies at Yale and his own later buildings in Dublin and Cork. ‘America’, he stressed, ‘means a lot to me’.

• David Flannery, Principle, Scott Talon Walker

  After 2 ½ days of intensive tours and talks, the attendees were now thoroughly attuned to Cork’s unique character and were able to relax and enjoy David Flannery’s further analysis, ‘From the City to the Sea / Cork’s Maritime Character’. 

  His history of Cork focused on Cork Harbour’s extra deep channels, its Atlantic aspect and the sailing ships using it.  Viking longboats, the Titanic and WWII battle cruisers – in other words, multiple invaders, traders and military armadas – all helped shape Cork’s distinctive ambiance.  Read more about the architect HERE. 

Photo Credits: E Fitzpatrick AIA RIBA

• Guilia Valone, Senior Architect, Cork County Council

  Guilia Valone addressed the Conference theme of genius loci with particular vigour, adding a Sicilian touch to Irish town planning.  In her many examples of ‘placemaking’ and ‘re-inhabiting the streets’, she developed her theme of preserving and enhancing the character of Cork's smaller surrounding towns under the mantra of ‘restore, reveal and redefine’.  It was evident that Valone is not fond of the automobile.

Photo Credit: E Fitzpatrick AIA RIBA

• John Hegarty, Director, Fourem Architects
  The final speaker in his talk entitled ‘Significance of Cork – Classical language in Architecture and Cork City’, started from the unusual perspective of finding similarities between Cork and other historic cities and places.  In what ways, he asked, was Cork in 1590 similar to Florence in 1493?  In its heyday, Cork regaled in classical buildings built in brick and clad in stone, but only a few remain today. He eagerly identified typical Cork architectural details that ‘anchored’ its historical character. See some selected details HERE.

EXTENSION DAY 

A Monday Extension Day for those intrepid attendees spending an extra day at CE Conferences has become a long standing tradition.  The Cork Conference Extension Day explored smaller towns surrounding Cork Harbour, primarily Kinsale and Cobh, and included several special attractions:

• The Joseph Walsh Sculpture Studio (See HERE) 

• The Charles Fort (See HERE)  

• Titanic and Lusitania Museum (See HERE)  

• Kinsale Library designed by Cork County Council (See HERE)  

In Kinsale, the attendees visited two contrasting RIAI award winning projects of note.  The Kinsale Public Library won the 2024 ‘Conservation, Adaptation and Re-Use’ award and O’Donnell + Tuomey’s Stone Vessel won the 2024 RIAI ‘Special Award for Collaboration between Designers and Craftspersons’.

The Stone Vessel and Extension Day Attendees.  Photo Credit: Ruth Murphy, Joseph Walsh Studio.

Cobh Harbour and the Kinsale Library.  Photo Credits: RD Reber AIA and H Giblin Int’l Assoc AIA FRIAI.

SUMMARY 

Photo Credit: Liam Quinn

The 2025 Cork Conference was a joint effort from the two first AIA International Chapters - AIA Continental Europe and AIA United Kingdom - and was attended by 60 architects and guests.

The organising committee - Etain Fitzpatrick AIA RIBA and Helen Giblin FRIAI AIA Int’l Assoc - began conference planning in 2019, anticipating a Fall 2020 date. However, the Covid pandemic intervened and planning was put on indefinite hold even as the organizers received continual pleas from AIA colleagues to set a new date. Spring 2025 with its beautiful weather became a happy choice for all.

Once planning was reactivated in 2024, the organising committee recruited Karen Hassey AIA RIAI for additional help. Then - as always - AIA CE’s Chapter Executive, Irene Reidy, stepped in to provide excellent coordination, organisational skills and patience to keep the show on the road.

The conference received essential support from the many speakers representing prestigious RIAI firms in Cork and Dublin who so graciously volunteered their time. Speakers and attendees alike were also thankful for the support of Cork City Council and Cork County Council. Their enthusiastic and warm welcome ensured all participants felt very much at home.

Additional information on the Cork Conference can be found here:

• Programme HERE

• List of Speakers HERE

• Speaker Bios HERE

Etain Fitzpatrick AIA RIBA, Irene Reidy and Helen Giblin FRIAI AIA Int’l Assoc, Karen Hassey AIA RIAI

Written by L D King, AIA (with assistance from E Fitzpatrick, AIA and H Giblin Int’l Assoc AIA)

On behalf of AIA Continental Europe and AIA United Kingdom

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In special recognition of 30 years of  cooperation and mutual appreciation between AIA Continental Europe and AIA United Kingdom, AIA UK  has assembled a collection of its newsletters honouring past CE and joint CE/UK events from 1996 that can be found HERE.

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AIA CONTINENTAL EUROPE & AIA UNITED KINGDOM CONFERENCE / Cork, Ireland – ‘Genius Loci’ - Part II

The River Lee and a limestone outcrop form the idyllic setting for the University College Cork.  Photo Credit: L King AIA

Day 2: Cork – Buildings for Culture and Education 

The second day of the Conference started with a long trek upriver to the tranquil campus of the University College Cork (UCC) for a leisurely exploration of its landscape and buildings and attendance at multiple well received talks. 

• Heinrik Wolterstorff, O’Donnell + Tuomey

  According to the morning’s speaker, Heinrik Wolterstorff, Sir Thomas Deane, the architect of UCC, undertook an extensive search on horseback in the 1840’s for the ideal site for the newly endowed Cork college. Following a branch of the River Lee, he eventually found a band of peasant farmers tending a lush meadow backed by a dramatic outcrop of limestone.  The idyllic site – sans peasants and horses - remains the backdrop for the college today.

The morning talks and tours focused on two buildings by O’Donnell + Tuomey.  Read more about the architects HERE.

First, the Hub - a student centre created out of a renovated, previously redundant building from the 1800s.  The Hub introduced the attendees to the UCC and served as the conference venue for the day.  Read more about the Hub HERE.

Photo Credit: H Kessler FAIA

Photo Credits: M Lischer FAIA

Second, the Glucksman Gallery - a dramatic new build, incorporating an art gallery and restaurant - completed in 2005.  The site on the edge of the campus was chosen to encourage attendance by the local community who might otherwise avoid encroaching on the ancient university.  Inserted amongst mature trees, the Gallery’s bold configuration distinguishes it from the original campus buildings, while at the same time its strategic window views connect it to both the wider neighbourhood and the place setting River Lee

Photo Credit: B Oknyansky AIA

Photo Credits: H Chong

During the campus tour, the attendees stopped for an unplanned but welcomed visit to the UCC Honan Chapel, built in the Hiberno-Romanesque revival style complete with vibrant, fascinating floor mosaics. The small, architectural gem exemplified the best of the Irish arts and craft movement (1894 – 1925).

Photo Credits: H Chong & B Oknyansky AIA

• Alex Ianchenko, the 2024 AIA Continental Europe Scholarship Recipient

• Dami Babalola, the AIA UK Sponsor Representing Axalta

• Nicola Smith, the AIA Continental Europe Sponsor Representing Laufen

After lunch at Lea’s in the Gluckman (sponsored by Axalta), the attendees returned to the Hub for a series of technical talks.  

Alex Ianchencko, the AIA CE Scholarship Recipient, gave an impassioned talk on her research into sustainability forecasts, starting with the startling statistic that the earth’s global emissions currently stand at a staggering 47 billion tons CO2 eq/year, whereas its safe operating space projects at only 2.51 billion tons CO2 eq/year.

Dami Babalola, the AIA UK Sponsor Representative from Axalta (powder coating manufacturer) charted her research into the transformation of colour trends over the last five years.  Her conclusions: architects and designers currently trend towards darker, warmer ‘earth tones’.  Read more about Axalta HERE. 

Nicola Smith, the AIA CE Sponsor Representative from Laufen (ceramic sanitary wares) stressed both its innovation and sustainability credentials.  In 2024, Laufen reached a milestone with its development of an electric kiln.  In 2025, Laufen received an Ecovadis platinum award for the top 1% of companies assessed for sustainability performance.  It aims to reach net zero in its production within the next few years.  Read more about Laufen HERE.  

• Merritt Bucholz and Karen Mc Evoy, Founding Directors at Bucholz McEvoy Architects

The day’s final talk featured Bucholz McEvoy Architects and their extensive repertoire of ‘low carbon architecture in Cork and beyond’ – or in the language of their talk, ‘breathing buildings’.  Their designs – that also incorporate extensive use of wood as a core structural component - were based on the analogy of a tree that breathes in CO2 and releases O2 without traditional HVAC solutions and paraphernalia.  Read more about Bucholz McEvoy HERE.  

Photo Credit: E Fitzpatrick AIA

THE CONFERENCE DINNER 

Saturday night gala dinners are an AIA CE tradition, with this year’s event held in an Irish stately home on the outskirts of Cork, Fota House on Fota Island. Before dinner, the attendees were given a tour of the house, which was originally built as an 18th century hunting lodge, then expanded in the 19th century.  The tour included both its downstairs kitchen and servants areas and its impressive upstairs dining rooms.

Photo Credit: L King AIA

Written by L D King, AIA (with assistance from E Fitzpatrick, AIA and H Giblin Int’l Assoc AIA)

On behalf of AIA Continental Europe and AIA United Kingdom

AIA CONTINENTAL EUROPE & AIA UNITED KINGDOM CONFERENCE / Cork, Ireland – ‘Genius Loci’ – Part I

The River Lee – flowing on both sides of the city - is the essential ingredient of Cork placemaking.  Photo Credit: G Meagher AIA

In respect for those whose Latin is a bit rusty, a quick explanation of ‘genius loci’ is in order.  According to Wikipedia, in classical Rome a genius loci was a ‘protective spirit or deity who presided over a place’.  In modern times, the term has simply come to mean a location’s ‘sense of space’ and ‘distinctive atmosphere’ .

However, the Oxford Dictionary enhances this simple definition, noting that ‘every place has its own unique qualities, not only in terms of its physical makeup, but of how it is perceived’.  It then follows with a poignant warning apropos to architects that ‘it ought to be (but far too often is not) the responsibility of the architect or landscape-designer to be sensitive to those unique qualities, to enhance them rather than to destroy them’. 

Whereas all Continental Europe’s conferences – in a series that has ranged across the continent for 30 years – stressed each destination’s distinctive atmosphere, the Cork Conference heeded the Oxford Dictionary warning with particular emphasis and focused its programme with special sensitivity to Cork’s unique qualities.  

In doing so, it showcased a remarkable section of acclaimed Irish architects and their works – JCA Architects, Grafton Architects, O’Donnell + Tuomey, Bucholz McEvoy Architects, de Blacam and Meagher Architects and Scott Tallon Walker.

Day 1: Cork – Past Present and Future 

The Conference’s opening day welcomed the attendees with an overview of Cork and insights into its persona.  Crucially, Cork lies at the very edge of Europe’s continental shelf – as far east as one can go and still be part of European civilisation.  Its small scale, lack of an intensive built-up city centre and deceptive sense of isolation from the rest of Europe seemingly belie its current status as Ireland’s second city.

However, by the first few talks, the Conference speakers - by analysing new building projects, touring its cultural attractions, referencing its high tech industries and highlighting its plans to deal with current rapid growth and expansion - quickly showcased Cork at the centre stage of modern Ireland. 

• Dr Jason O’Shaughnessy, Interim Director, of the Cork Centre for Architecture Education

  Dr Jason O’Shaughnessy introduced the attendees to the recently finished Cork Centre for Architecture Education (CCAE), the Conference’s main base for the three day weekend.  CCAE is a joint school of architecture within University College Cork and Munster Technology University, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

  O’Shaughnessy outlined how the JCA architects developed a brief for the Centre that encouraged interaction and observation between studios.  See more about the CCAE HERE.

• Chinwe Kane, RIAI Southern Region Representative and Director at Scott Tallon Walker  

  Chinwe Kane - who considers herself Nigerian Irish - spoke of her first impressions of Cork.  She trained in the UK, moved to Ireland and has worked with Scott Tallon Walker for the past 18 years, currently on the design of the Irish embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.  Kane is the Southern Representative of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), attendingRIAI council meetings and organising local RIAI events.  Read more about RIAI HERE

• Cathal O’Boyle, City Architect for Cork

Cathal O’Boyle addressed the all-important topic of all CE Conferences - ‘where has the city come from and where is it going’. He introduced the all-consuming topic of ‘corkness’, relating to Cork’s ‘ marshy history’ and its aspiration to become a world class city again.

Cork started as a monastic settlement on an island surrounded by two branches of the River Lee in the 6th century and was expanded and walled by the Vikings in the 9th.  The two branches meet at the island’s eastern tip, where the quays and docks that border the river’s edge lead to Cork Harbour, the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world.  Its Viking past, watery setting and the superb harbour established Cork as a consummate trading city.  Read more about Cork’ origins HERE.

• Dr Karen Lysaght, Advisor to Cork City Council

• Karen O’Mahony, Senior Executive Planner and Urban Design for Cork City Council

• Simon Lyons, Development Manager for Cork Docklands Development Programme 

Cork is a UNESCO Learning City that ‘effectively mobilises its resources across all sectors to maximise the opportunities for lifelong learning for all its citizens'. The Cork Docklands Project at 147 ha is the largest regeneration project in Ireland, and the three speakers emphasised the attention the various city planners and consultants placed on collaboration and on keeping with genius loci dictates. Research into the historic city and its relationship to the river was likened to ‘unpeeling the layers of an onion’.

The tip of the island city – the original Cork Harbour – is on the far left of the Plan.

The speakers compared the Docklands project to the early establishment of  Cork’s island centre and stressed the importance of reconnecting to Cork’s maritime heritage; ‘Cork is a city IN the river, not ON the river’.  Like the original city, Docklands will rely on reclaimed, or so-called ‘made’ land, but will also look at conserving existing structures that define the permanence of the location.  Read about the Docklands HERE and HERE. 

As an engineer, Simon Lyons, took a ‘drainage’ approach to describe the project.  His modern planning decisions build upon earlier experience in respect to the river edge conditions, roads, walkways and flood protection.  The city’s implementation today is practical with the historical remains continuing as key design drivers.

• Gareth O’Callaghan, Director Conservation, JCA Architects

The Conference base at CCAE was an integral part of JCA’s renovation and regeneration of the former, 18th century South Presentation Convent and School, now known as Nano Nagle Place.  Therefore, a talk followed by a leisurely site visit to see the heritage gardens, museum and convent buildings in their serene, semi-rural compound in the heart of Cork was a Conference given.  

The Venerable Nano Nagle was a tireless pioneer of education and social justice who founded the convent and educational mission in the 1750s and established her own order of nuns, the‘Institute of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ in 1775.  The fullness of her exceptional story and that of the revitalised site can be found HERE.

Photo Credit: G Meagher AIA

Photo Credit: M Lischer FAIA

• Yvonne Farrell, Founding Director, and Gerard Carty, Director, Grafton Architects

  Grafton Architects’ talk entitled ‘The City as Participant’ divided into two sections. In the first, Yvonne Farrell touched on seven cities where Grafton has worked and emphasised that ‘wherever one builds on this earth, each part of the globe has a different condition and the city itself - its tradition, its atmosphere, its people - is a participant in the work of an architect’.

  Farrell’s talk continued celebration of a city’s genius loci, or in her own terminology, a city’s ‘unique DNA’.  She used original sketches, or ‘drawings from the imagination’, to chart how light’s progress – the daily cycle of light passing through – gives each place on earth its own unique identity.  Read more about the architects HERE.

  Farrell’s truly inspirational talk stressed that ‘a sense of belonging is one of humanity’s basic needs’ and asked the simple but relevant question, ‘do we spend enough time walking through a city’?

  In the second part of the Grafton talk, Gerard Carty’s excellent talk focused on the complexity of the comprehensive redevelopment of Cork’s beloved Crawford Art Gallery, housed within an 18th century Custom House with 19th century and modern extension and containing over 3,500 national collection artworks. Grafton’s design respected the layers of history while improving wayfinding and creating people oriented ‘contemplation’ spaces – such as a roof top viewing gallery offering panoramic views of the city - that will enhance the public’s involvement.    

  The Director of the Gallery, Mary McCarthy, who had joined the Conference for the talk, admitted that – while disappointed on behalf of the attendees who were now eager to view the Galley but were unable to due to ongoing construction works - her concern was tempered by Cork’s joy and relief that construction has finally begun.  Read more about the redevelopment of the Gallery HERE. 

• Heinrick Wolterstorff, O’Donnell + Tuomey

  Farrell’s walk-through-the-city question proved relevant to Heinrick Wolterstorff’s subsequent talk on St Angela’s College, a girls only secondary school. The College is a complicated campus of stepped building blocks and courtyards built around a core of original 19th century school buildings.  Given its multiple levels and interconnections, it could not be fully understood through pictures; it had to be experienced firsthand.  Fortunately, the campus was fully accessible and the attendees were able to walk to it and through it.  

  To reach the School, the attendees crossed the southern branch of the River Lee, then meandered through the retail centre of Cork under the tutelage of city guides full of Irish anecdotes.  They passed the closed Crawford Gallery and the northern branch of the River Lee before tackling St Patrick’s Hill – a notorious steep hill that Lance Armstrong was rumoured to have walked up rather than ride his bike.  The Irish school girls who daily attend the school are, however, made of sterner stuff.
  

Photo Credits: H Chong

DRINKS RECEPTION

The long day ended with a welcome, relaxed drinks reception at the bar at The Dean Cork, one of the early interventions in the old Port area, prior to the Cork Docklands development farther east.  Read more about the area HERE. 

Written by L D King, AIA (with assistance from E Fitzpatrick, AIA and H Giblin Int’l Assoc AIA)

On behalf of AIA Continental Europe and AIA United Kingdom

Building Tours Q1 2025 - Young V&A and The Blue

Young V&A. Photo by Gregory Fonseca

The AIA UK launched its 2025 Building Tour series with a visit to the Young V&A, designed by De Matos Ryan in collaboration with AOC Architecture. This project was a recipient of the Professional – Medium Projects award at the 2024 AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards. The tour, held on Thursday, 13 March 2025, was led by José Esteves de Matos of De Matos Ryan.

Formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A is a branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum located in Bethnal Green. It reopened in July 2023 following a £13 million, three-year redevelopment. The design team has not merely renovated the space but fundamentally reimagined it in partnership with its intended audience—young people. The result is an engaging, interactive, and empowering museum experience centred on learning through play.

The tour began in the reconfigured main atrium, where José Esteves de Matos explained how the architectural intervention sought to maximize natural light by reinstating the historic skylight and the grand arched glass opening aligned with the building’s main entrance. This central space, enhanced by vibrant colours and bold graphics, has been intentionally decluttered to function as a civic “town square.” A café situated at the far end further contributes to the space’s piazza-like atmosphere. Beyond the café, a dramatic sculptural spiral staircase—a spherical element clad in reflective surfaces—serves as a dynamic centrepiece, inviting curiosity and interaction from visitors of all ages.

The museum now houses over 2,000 objects, spanning from 2300 BCE to the present day, thoughtfully curated across three thematic galleries: Play, Imagine, and Design, each tailored to different age groups. The interior architecture skilfully leverages spatial volumes, colour, and graphic design to enliven the visitor experience. What sets the Young V&A apart is the meticulous attention paid to every detail—each surface and junction has been considered as an opportunity to spark joy and wonder. The result is an inspirational demonstration of care and craftsmanship, revealing a depth of thought and execution rarely seen in such transformative projects.

Exterior view of The Blue hotel during daytime. Image credit: Yu Zhi Lin.

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, we participated in a virtual tour of The Blue by Just Inn, designed by Tszwai So. This project was awarded a Commendation in the Professional – Medium Projects category at the 2024 AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards.

The tour commenced with an introduction by Tszwai So, who presented the conceptual framework behind the Emotionalism art movement. As one of its key proponents, So—alongside a global collective of creatives—advocates for a design ethos that prioritizes the communication of mood and feeling over conventional architectural norms. He explained that these principles were central to the design of The Blue. However, despite his articulation of the movement’s philosophy, I found it challenging to fully grasp how these ideals are manifested in the final transformation.

Located in the heart of Taipei, The Blue offers a compelling narrative on sustainability, expressed both within its interiors and through its newly transformed exterior. Originally a neglected commercial structure from the 1970s, the building has been thoughtfully reimagined into a vibrant urban landmark. Now housing 59 guest rooms, a forthcoming restaurant, and a public art space, the project exemplifies how adaptive reuse can honour historical context while embracing contemporary needs—thanks in large part to active community engagement. Tszwai remarked, “The public art space is not just a place for art, but a platform that invites community interaction and celebrates collective creativity.”

Throughout the tour, he elaborated on the project's modest budget and the unconventional process of construction, which proceeded without a traditional set of architectural drawings. He emphasized the extensive reuse of interior materials and detailed the meticulous effort behind selecting the building’s signature blue. While the choice of blue does not stem from a specific symbolic rationale, it was the result of an exhaustive exploration—from the iconic Taiwanese blue magpie to Yves Klein’s International Blue—to find the perfect hue. The final façade, infused with Taiwan’s native iron oxide, serves as both a visual anchor and a testament to material integrity.

Ultimately, The Blue stands as a masterclass in sustainable architecture. By retaining the existing structure, mechanical systems, doors, furniture, and even scrap metal, the project demonstrates how thoughtful reuse can lead to a building that is not only environmentally responsible but also emotionally resonant. In doing so, it exemplifies a design philosophy that values the emotional experience of space as much as its physical form.

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA

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UPCOMING TOURS:

• Collège Amadou Hampaté Bâ, Article 25 

  Medium Projects - Winner & Exemplary Performance in Sustainability

  Virtual Tour

  29th May 2025

  REGISTER HERE

• Urbanest, Hopkins Architects

  Large Projects - Commendation

  Live Tour

  12th June 2025

• Greenwich Peninsula Master Plan with a focused walk through the acclaimed Design District.

  Live Tour, led by Hannah Corlett and Alex Howard

  3rd July 2025