Sponsored By
We chat with architect Hugh Wallace about the importance of good design in our everyday lives, the joy in craft, and what he loves about driving his DS 4.
What drew you to becoming an architect?
I always knew I was going to be an architect. When I was four or five, all I played with was Lego and Meccano, and I loved making buildings. I also loved boats and drawing boats, and really wanted to be a marine architect, but you couldn’t do that in Ireland. I think it also had to do with the fact of being dyslexic too, because I see things differently, in three dimensions. That allowed me to understand space and shape, and form and scale. And I’m very lucky because I love it.
What do you love most about it?
I think the creativity. As an architect, you have a responsibility to the actual physical environment of our towns and cities because today, we’re leaving legacies that, unfortunately, in some cases are going to be here for another 1,000 years. This is quite a frightening thought because there’s some bloody ugly buildings in Ireland.
What defines good design to you?
I think, as John Meagher said, the best buildings are the ones that talk to you as you walk past, and you have an empathy, because they cause you think, or you go ‘yeah, I love that. I love the brick, I love the form, I love the shape’, and they talk to us an awful lot of the time. Unfortunately, a lot of modern buildings don’t do that. They actually do the opposite.
Would you say you’re a traditionalist in some ways?
No. Anything goes with me. I love old. I love new. I love borrowed, and blue.
You get to see inside some of the country’s most interesting homes, are there any trends you’re noticing?
Well, the trend is that people are buying old properties and doing them up, which is just fabulous. And I think there’s a real effort to do that. And, you know, people talk about carbon footprint and the importance of sustainability, but the reality is constructing new foundations for a new build has a significant environmental impact. Renovating existing buildings is more environmentally friendly, as you’re reusing structures and materials. There are a quarter of a million buildings in this country, which are in various stages of dereliction, all should be done up. It’s about creating neighbourhoods and communities in our villages and towns, and I think we are slowly seeing a shift. But we need to step it up, put the boot on the gas.
Have you any advice for people undertaking a renovation at the moment?
Understand that the buildings, while they will love you, and they’ll be all delighted for you to be doing them up, they can also be a bit naughty and have hidden secrets of dry rot and wet rot, and the odd little structural crack. So make sure you have an engineer involved before you buy the building.
Are there any Irish craftspeople or makers you admire?
For me, there are amazing stained glass people. When people are doing up their old houses, they’re going back to some of the original type of stained glass, and I think that’s wonderful, because the thing about stained glass, particularly if it’s on a sunny window is that you get these lovely patterns and colours on the floor. And also The Paint Hub in Carlow, who are alchemists creating amazing colours, and have a range of breathable paints, Alchemist Mood, mixed in Ireland.
How’s your DS 4 going?
Fabulous. I have to tell you I’m not somebody who enjoys driving, but I love driving my DS because I’m a little bit higher. And therefore, you see the countryside. It’s a great car to drive, it’s a real treat to drive around the countryside. I was in West Cork recently, around Schull and Ballydehob, one of those beautiful days, and I think the north coast of Mayo is wonderful. Going out to Achill is just stunning, and I’ve a great view in my DS.
Are there any design features you particularly appreciate?
Well, I think the whole shape and form is amazing, but particularly the inside of the car, the attention to detail is just wonderful. And if you look at the lights on the outside, they’re in sort of a diamond formation, which is very much harking back to the origins of the classic DS car from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. You can’t beat great classic design.
THE DS 4 PLUG-IN HYBRID
Avant-Garde Design
A bold fusion of French-inspired coupé lines and SUV presence sculpted with sophistication to the fore. Flush-fitting door handles, alloy wheels and gloss black exterior door mirrors create an unmistakably luxurious and dynamic silhouette.
PLUG-IN HYBRID Powertrain
A refined 225 hp plug-in hybrid system delivering seamless acceleration, whisper-quiet cruising, and up to 62km of electric range. Charging to 100 per cent in 1 hour and 55 minutes.
DS Active Scan Suspension
Cutting-edge camera-based technology scans the road ahead, adapting damping in real-time for an ultra-smooth and composed ride.
DS Pixel LED Vision 3.0
Advanced matrix LED headlights intelligently adjust beam patterns for optimal visibility without dazzling oncoming drivers.
Bespoke Craftsmanship
Hand-stitched diamond cloth interior trim, pearl-stitched detailing, and premium Alcantara create an exquisite, couture-inspired cabin experience.
DS IRIS System
A fully connected infotainment suite with AI-powered voice control and a sleek 10-inch touchscreen for effortless, intuitive interaction.
Level 2 Autonomous Driving
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and semi-autonomous driving ensure safety and relaxation on long journeys.
Ultra-Low Emissions
CO2 emissions as low as 30g/km and impressive fuel economy, seamlessly blending performance with responsible, future-forward motoring.
To find out more go to dsautomobiles.ie
