Dynamic expressions - Grand Square Central, Dublin

Added : 06 Oct 2010 | Visits : 4895 | Average votes : %

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Grand Square Centre in Dublin is a dynamic form, an architectural expression by famous architect Daniel Libeskind, creating landmark and urban focus.

Designed as commercial development in Dublin, Architect Daniel Libeskind has developed the river front with a combination of technology, dynamics and functional architecture, creating a focal point for Grand Central Square.

The architects were appointed to design and develop the Grand Canal Commercial area to activate the space and create a public space which faces the water front and activate he dead niches in between. The architects thus worked on enhancing the space as new powerful urban structure which would reflect context and integrate various functions by means of dynamism in architectural idiom.

The site included two office buildings and 2000 seated performing arts theatre. Because of the dynamic form and volume, the theatre reflects the cultural presence within the city. The transparency of the built form achieved with the extensive use of glass integrates the expression of building communicated to the visitors and passers by.

According to the architects, ‘Te architectural concept of the Theatre is based on stages: the stage of the Theatre itself, the stage of the piazza, and the stage of the multiple levels Theatre lobby above the piazza. The Theatre becomes the main façade of a large public piazza that has a five star hotel and residences on one side and an office building on the other. The piazza acts as a grand outdoor lobby for the Theatre, itself becoming a stage for civic gathering with the dramatic Theatre elevation as a backdrop offering platforms for viewing’. This innovatively and strategically derived form communicates well to the users and integrates the theatre to the surroundings and the other commercial buildings well because of the placement of rooftop terrace, which offers a scenic and spectacular view of Dublin riverfront.

The office buildings are designed with similar concept; however each building block reflects different expression of architecture. Transparency as a language is continued within both the office building blocks as well, having twin glass façade and landscaped roofs. Integration with the adjacent commercial building, cultural spaces, and other areas is achieved by the means of atriums. Entrance to the buildings is prominently done from the main plaza.

With regards to the materials, stainless steel rain screen cladding panels on reinforced concrete and steel structure with strips of high performance glazing have been used for theatre and high performance glazing with exposed polyester powder coated pre-fabricated steel box sections for theatre Glass Curtain. However, the commercial buildings uses glass as a low-iron unitized twin skin glazing system with geometric ceramic frit patterns with solar / glare perforated venetian blinds and capped unitized curtain walling with fixed blade louvers.

Grand Central Square is an amalgamation of twin facades, glazed courtyards, and landscaped roofs providing sustainable actuating environments. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that the complete project has given birth to a new urban icon with a cultural landmark which serves as a focal with respect to the context and stitches very well to the buildings within it.

Text Compilation: Rati Singh

Architect's Website: http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/

Project:	Grand Canal Square Theatre and Commercial Development
Location:	Dublin Docklands
Principal Architect:	Stefan Blach
Project Architect & Project Team Leader:	Gerhard Brun
Project Team:	Feargal Doyle, Patrick Cox, Andreas Baumgärtner, Matthias Rühl, Toralf Sümmchen, Anna Poullou, Guillaume Chapallaz, Nathaniel Ll
Client:	Ramford Limited, Chartered Land
Project Management:	Lafferty Project Management
Theatre:	Building envelope, FOH and Auditorium; RIAI Stages 1-8
Commercial:	Building envelope, Lobby & Atrium spaces; RIAI stages 1-4
Quantity Surveyor:	Davis Langdon PKS – Dublin
Structural / Civil:	ARUP Consulting Engineers – Dublin
Mechanical & Electrical:	ARUP Consulting Engineers – Dublin
Acoustic Consultants:	ARUP Acoustics – Winchester, UK
Venue Consultants:	ARUP Venue Consulting – Winchester, UK
Theatre Consultants & Architects:	Theatre Back of House; RIAI Stages 4-8
Façade Consultants:	Billings Design Associates – Dublin
Lighting Designers:	Pritchard Themis – London, UK
Fire Engineers:	Michael Slattery Associates – Dublin
Health & Safety:	Bruce Shaw Partnership- Dublin
Main Contractor:	John Sisk & Son Ltd. – Dublin
Façade Sub-Contractor:	Permasteelisa Central Europe (Theatre); Permasteelisa S.p.A (Commercial Buildings)
Gross Building Area:	South Office block: 21,092 sqm, Theatre: 13,768 sqm, North Office block: 33,320 sqm
Completion Date:	South Block Office: September 2009, Theatre: December 2009, North Block Office: Mid-2010