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

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.

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.

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.

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

For more information: www.riai.ie/competitions/detail/aoibhneas_childrens_centre_architectural_competition/

Competition opens: 18 February 2010
Registration deadline: 30 April 2010
Submission deadline: 7 May 2010