The Source Arts Centre

Thurles Arts Centre and Library lounges and lingers on the bank of the River Suir, spreading and tilting its silver, blue-grey blanket of zinc up and down and over the triptych of accommodation beneath, finally settling itself and commanding the view. The theatre, a black box located deep into the widest part of the site, seems to retreat somewhat into its blue-grey shell, and the route into the theatre also feels underplayed. The foyer and its bar, though, are excitingly sliced and layered. They are well judged and always feel full, even when empty, a critical trick in regional theatres. On the other side of the entrance hall (the middle part) is the library, the most successful room and full of noise and life. It is a space which feels open for business, yet organized and controlled. This is achieved through the obvious attention given to lighting (cast in walls, columns, or ceilings), furniture layout and design, and through the considered use of natural or applied colour.