AAI Lecture Series: MGNÉ Architects

The AAI is thrilled to welcome MGNÉ Architects as speakers in our Social Inclusivity In Architecture lecture series. Location: Trinity College - Room TBC Social Inclusivity In Architecture The theme will focus on Social Inclusivity and placemaking in Architecture. The series aims to explore how architecture can foster more equitable, accessible, and inclusive environments. The series will examine design approaches that respond to the needs of diverse communities. With thanks to Trinity College Dublin for their valued collaboration on this series. The AAI is thrilled to welcome MGNÉ Architects as the next speakers of the lecture series. They will present several completed and ongoing projects under the theme of social inclusion. Photos: Richard Hatch MGNÉ Architects MGNÉ Architects was formed by Matt MacDonagh-Dumler and Ronan McCann in 2022 as the successor of McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects following the retirement from everyday practice of founding partners and mentors Professor Michael McGarry and Dr Siobhán Ní Éanaigh. This new practice identity is intended to reflect the change in primary design authorship, but also the continuity of ethos and values. It also reflects that a small number of projects have progressed through this transition of leadership including a significant and complex Special Educational Needs School in Letterkenny and an innovative Rutland Street Multi-Use Community Hub adaptive reuse project for Dublin City Council. Matt and Ronan's work, previously as part of McGarry Ní Éanaigh, and now as MGNÉ, ranges from small scale interventions, to large complex public buildings and civic masterplans. It includes both public and private work and a broad range of associated services. The practice has developed a particular reputation for the delivery of innovative design solutions, through brief and cost constraints, on social housing, education, and community public building projects. Other recent and ongoing work includes an older persons Social Housing apartment complex in Limerick, a campus redevelopment and extension to St. Aidan's CBS in Glasnevin, a Fire Services Learning and Development Centre, and new school buildings and campuses in Waterford and Macroom. Matt and Ronan strongly believe in architecture as a public good and that public buildings, spaces, and infrastructure which serve the public are a foundational pillar of a just and humane society. Their careers in architecture coincide with an era where this concept of the public good, and the commitment of the state to the provision of social infrastructure, increasingly cannot be assumed or taken for granted. They seek to resist and establish a contribution in response to this and note the sentiment of David Graeber that, 'The ultimate hidden truth of the world is that it is something that we make, and could just as easily make differently.' Matt MacDonagh-Dumler Bio Matt MacDonagh-Dumler is a Director at MGNÉ Architects. Originally from Michigan, USA, he joined McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects in 1998 where he has helped to deliver a wide range of mainly public projects including schools, leisure buildings and urban infrastructure such as the Liffey Boardwalk and Shandon Pedestrian Bridge in Cork. For over ten years as Director, Matt’s leadership has guided the practice’s award winning work through a rigorous design and highly controlled construction process. He has substantial contract administration experience and has provided expert services in respect of some of the country’s largest building disputes dealing with defects, contract administration and professional practice matters. Ronan McCann Bio Ronan McCann is a Director at MGNÉ Architects. Originally from County Louth, he first worked with McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects as a student before rejoining following his graduation with first class honours from UCD School of Architecture in 2009. He has worked on a variety of projects across the housing, commercial, urban design, community and education sectors. He was awarded the Nael G. Bunni Medal by Trinity College Dublin in 2021 as part of his Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Law and Contract Administration. He was one of the Main Organisers of EASA 2008 in Dublin and Letterfrack and was later a member of ResPublica.ie from 2012 to 2015. He was a Design Fellow in UCD for 2022-23 and served as President of the Architectural Association of Ireland from 2015 to 2017. Photos: Matt MacDonagh-Dumler