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While the Pope was consecrating Gaudi's the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona yesterday, a building closer to home,ÌýDerry's An Gaeláras Cultúrlann Ui Chanáin, was winningÌýat the Oscars of the architectural world in the same city.

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The Irish language and cultural centre, designed by architects O'Donnell & Tuomey, was runner up at this year's World Architectural Festival. The judges commented on the project's outstanding design qualities.

Not bad for a localÌýarts centre which found itself in the same competition asÌýSoccer City in Johannesburg, the Apple Store on New York's Upper West Side, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

It's certainly a bold piece of architecture, and amazingly,Ìýdespite itsÌýangular concrete design and brash, boldÌýcolours, somehow manages to fit into the existing Victorian city scape of Great James street.

Also something that might not have come up in the judges' assessment in Barcelona at the weekendÌý but one that I have experienced first hand. Inside it'sÌýhigh ceilingÌýacts like an echo chamber when you're sitting in theÌýcoffee shop,Ìýan attraction spotted to the delight of myÌýtwo daughters on a recent saturday afternoon outing!