The commission to create an art work for the exterior of VISUAL’s iconic building was awarded to Sky Fold, a project by architects Emmett Scanlon, Jeffrey Bolhuis and Laurence Lord (AP+E).

Due to the Covid 19 restrictions we have had to think about our outdoor spaces in new and creative ways. This commission brings the inside out and playfully dissolves parts of VISUAL’s exterior with mirrored surfaces, connecting with the natural world. Sky Fold prompts an important consideration about the use of outdoor public space and the places that we create to inspire and support people as they go about their daily lives, now and for the future.

The winning architects explain “As we move into year two of a pandemic, our world has become off limits, lines, boundaries and restrictions. This work seeks to explore the dissolution of such boundaries and limits and explore the positive social potential of ambiguity, of uncertainty and of a future optimistic freedom to go where we want, when we want. Sky Fold considers VISUAL a place of welcome. Made from within architecture, this installation seeks to articulate the relationship between buildings, people and the natural environment. The work operates at two scales in particular - that of the building itself and that of the visitor.”

Sky Fold considers VISUAL a place of welcome. Made from within architecture, this installation seeks to articulate the relationship between buildings, people and the natural environment. The work operates at two scales in particular - that of the building itself and that of the visitor.

About the Architects:

Emmett Scanlon is an architect, graduating with a Masters of Architecture from UCD in 2000. His work is concerned with the relationship between people and buildings and the role and purpose and impact of architecture on our everyday lives. He is the host and producer of the podcast What Do Buildings Do All Day? which is now the most popular podcast on this subject produced in Ireland.

Laurence Lord is co-founder of AP+E and a lecturer with Queen’s University Belfast. Laurence has 15 years of experience as an architect, working in Dublin, London and Copenhagen.

Jeffrey Bolhuis is a Dutch architect, co-founder of AP+E and design tutor at the Technical University Delft. Jeffrey has 16 years of experience as an architect, working in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Dublin.

Laurence and Jeffrey co-founded AP+E in 2013. AP+E is an office for design & research based in Ireland & The Netherlands. The practice is driven by a strong interest in the social and cultural value of architecture. The office strives to create a positive lasting impact on our world whilst ensuring minimal impact to our environment.