Dr Ronnie Tallon (pictured) has been awarded the inaugural James Gandon Medal, a lifetime achievement award, by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). Dr Tallon’s designs are evident all over Ireland, from the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park, Carroll’s cigarette factory in Dundalk; and the O’Reilly Hall, UCD to Spencer Dock Development and the Gate Theatre.
“Dr Tallon’s impact on the landscape of Ireland is arguably greater than any other person’s of our time. Everywhere you look around Ireland, you can see evidence of his work,” says Paul Keogh, president of RIAI. “What we build today, we build for tomorrow and nowhere is that more evident in Ireland than in Ronnie Tallon’s work. Throughout his career, he has delivered buildings that have stood the test of time. He is part of the identity of Ireland and Irish architecture.”
Scott Tallon Walker, Dr Tallon’s practice, is one of the leading architectural firms in Europe and one of the few to have been awarded a prestigious Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Entrusted with important projects commissioned by both public institutions and large private companies, Dr Tallan and his practice has long been recognised for producing well-designed buildings of a consistent high quality.
Dr Tallon was born in Dublin in 1927 and graduated from University College Dublin in 1950. During his student years, he worked with Peppard and Duffy Architects. Dr Tallon joined the Office of Public Works in 1950, where he worked with Arthur Seymour Rice and Raymond McGrath. In 1956, he jointed Michael Scott’s practice. In 1960, he entered into a partnership with Mr Scott and Robin Walker, founding Scott Tallon Walker.