Design picks: architect Ryan W Kennihan shares an insight into his work and inspirations
The Chicago-born architect, who started his Dublin practice in 2007, on his favourite designers an buildings he returns to.
I always like to make architecture that is both looking backwards and forwards – to build on local character and traditions in an entirely contemporary way. I like designs that are replete with references and cultural connections rather than shallow novelties.
Recenty, I have been preoccupied with the quality of light in our buildings and so have been spending a lot of time making beautiful rooflights. I think that thoughtfully captured light has the ability to bring a project alive, especially in Ireland where the changefulness of the weather allows one to give a space a constant sense of discovery.
Brick has always been my favourite material. It gives a sense of strength and permanence. It also has a variable quality that gives a diversity of appearance rather than just a flat colour. Importantly, because a brick is the size of a hand, we instinctively understand the human effort that made it, which makes a building feel well-crafted – also a desirable quality.
The Casino Marino is my favourite building in Ireland. It may appear to be an uptight neoclassical monument but upends our expectations at every turn. It looks like a single storey but is in fact three; what appears to be one room contains 16 and a roof deck; light arrives from unexpected places and it was built for partying. This sense of the unexpected is something I constantly strive for in our work.
The Casino Marino
Connemara
I am always inspired by Connemara. The light is incredible and it is amplified by the remarkable colours of the landscape. However, it is the wildness of the environment that makes the architecture a powerful sanctuary there like nowhere else.
I constantly return to certain buildings for inspiration. Two from Portugal immediately spring to mind – Álvaro Siza’s Casa de Chá in Porto for its incredible connection to the landscape and horizon; and the Alcobaça Monastery for its synthesis of many centuries of building into an exquisite whole.
I used to spend lots of time in Vienna, which is known for its many luxurious interiors and cafés. The best of them all is the Kärntner Bar by Adolf Loos. He makes a tiny space feel both cosy and expansive, intimate and grand. They have great cocktails too!
I recently spotted two paintings by Evelyn Street, in a DeVeres auction. Both find a wonderful balance between realism and abstraction. Unfortunately, during online bidding I had to mind my little one and missed the final bid!
This feature originally appeared in the autumn/winter 2023 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.
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