The RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) is administering a competition on behalf of , Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge.

This open, two-stage architectural competition is for the design of a children’s centre on the existing site of Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge in Coolock, Dublin.

Architects worldwide are being asked to design a state-of-the-art children’s centre facility at the site which will include age appropriate play areas, homework, art and therapy rooms with space for children to spend time alone and with their families.

The subject site which is triangular in shape (3,214 m²) is located within a predominantly residential area. A courtyard building of refuge accommodation units (727m²) is located on the eastern corner of the site and encloses a small play area. Competitors should assume a budget in the range of €600,000 – €800,000.

Every child should feel safe and secure in their own home. However, for too many children, home is a place of fear. For the women and children who seek help in refuges from domestic violence, finding a safe haven is the first step in the journey away from the long lasting effects of living with violence. The experience that children have in a refuge can have a profound effect on that journey.

Children need specialist services to address their needs. Aoibhneas Women’s and Children’s Refuge is working to ensure that children in Ireland, who experience the trauma of domestic violence, are given the support they need to deal with their experiences and to move on to the happy future that all children deserve.

Aoibhneas aims to provide a specialised, child-centred service, housed in an innovative building using cutting edge design to meet the many needs of children living in refuges and accessing refuge services. Aoibhneas believes that Irish refuges must become more than temporary safe houses and become places that truly support children through the traumas of domestic violence. Aoibhneas wants to create an environment whereby children can reclaim their trust and feelings of safety.

For details about the competition click here.