Dublin Docklands Proposal : Architecture Information

Grand Canal Square Dublin 2004-10 Studio Daniel Libeskind New commercial & cultural development Developer: Chartered Land Site: Dublin Docklands Development Authority 16 Oct 2008 CHARTERED LAND ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF BCM HANBY WALLACE FOR GRAND CANAL SQUARE CHARTERED LAND, one of Ireland’s leading commercial property companies has announced that BCM Hanby Wallace has signed legal documentation to occupy over 150,000 sq ft of office space at Number 2, Grand Canal Square. The law firm is currently located on Harcourt Street and expects to move to its new home in early 2010. Speaking at today’s announcement, Dominic Deeny, Chief Executive, Chartered Land, said: “We are delighted to welcome BCM Hanby Wallace to Grand Canal Square. The move reinforces the emergence of Grand Canal Square as one of Dublin’s most exciting and dynamic new business districts and we wish the partners and staff of BCM Hanby Wallace every success in its new location.” Set in the heart of Dublin’s south docklands, Grand Canal Square was designed by acclaimed international architect Daniel Libeskind and is rapidly becoming the commercial and cultural heart of the city. Its three office buildings, totalling 380,000 sq ft, each enjoy their own distinct identity with sculptured elevations and high performance thin flue glazed facades. The office space has been designed and built to exacting standards and is arranged around spacious full height atriums. Aerial Photo of Construction Progress, Sep 2008 pictures © Peter Barrow Photographer, from Bannon 171008 Also speaking at today’s announcement, Paul McGennis, Managing Partner, BCM Hanby Wallace, said: “Grand Canal Square is the perfect location for our new headquarters and we are particularly excited about the forthcoming move. The building’s state-of-the-art facilities, unique setting and central location will provide us with additional space in which to further expand and develop our business and will provide our staff and clients alike with a fantastic working environment.” Grand Canal Square is one of a number of major new office developments by Chartered Land. The developer is also building 30,000 sq ft of office space on Clarendon Row, adjacent to St. Stephen’s Green which is due for completion in December and recently submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council for an expansion of Swords Pavilions which includes over 160,000 sq ft of office space. Aerial Photo of Construction Progress, Aug 2008 picture © John Sisk and Son Ltd, from SDL 161008 The development is situated in an area of Dublin city which is seeing unprecedented investment in public transport infrastructure. The area is served by the DART at Grand Canal Dock station, and on completion will be joined by the new C1 Luas line and the four-lane Samuel Beckett Bridge which will link Grand Canal Square with the National Conference Centre. The area surrounding the development boasts an abundance of restaurants, bars and convenience stores. Dublin’s south docklands is also home to O2, Beauchamps, Matheson Ormsby Prentice, McCann FitzGerald and HSBC. Marcus Wren, Director of Offices with Bannon who acted for the developer, said: “Grand Canal Square has attracted considerable interest from a large number of major domestic and international corporate occupiers and we are confident that the scheme will be entirely pre-let upon completion next year. It is refreshing to be in a position to announce such positive news and this letting reinforces the confidence that major companies such as BCM Hanby Wallace have in Ireland’s future as a major European economy”. For further details please contact joint agents Bannon +353 1 6477900 or HT Meagher O'Reilly on +353 1 6342466 2, 4 & 5 Grand Canal Square - Elements Three office blocks + new theatre & public concourse Office accommodation from 970 to 32,700 sqm Performing Arts Centre and Galleria Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin - Concept Press Launch 28.05.04 The concept of the Grand Canal Square and Theatre is to build a powerful cultural presence expressed in a dynamic volume. This volume is sculpted to express the various forces which create the urban piazza, the public space and inner workings of the theatre. This composition creates an icon that mirrors the joy and drama emblematic of Dublin itself. The Grand Canal Square project intends to enhance the developing urban structure of Grand Canal Harbour with an exciting public landmark, a magnet for Dublin, a destination for working, shopping, living and entertainment, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. The project as a whole forms an attractive all-weather connection between the Liffey quayside and Grand Canal Square. The galleria and the atrium, overlooking the piazza, create grand indoor public spaces, complementing the open public space at the waterfront. The 2000 seat performing arts centre is at the heart of the Grand Canal Harbour development. Situated at Grand Canal Square, the iconic shape of the theatre creates a focus for its urban context. The Grand Canal Theatre building is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theatre itself, the stage of the piazza, and the stage of the theatre lobby above the piazza, when it is illuminated at night. The theatre becomes the main faÁade of a large public piazza that has 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. With the dramatic theatre elevation as a backdrop and platforms for viewing, the piazza itself becomes a stage for civic gathering. In addition to the piazza in front, the theatre is flanked by two Galleria buildings that provide retail and commercial office space with courtyards offering cafes, restaurants and shops. The courtyards act as additional entrances and connect the activity of the theater to the activity of the city life in the Galleria buildings. The development must be a 21st Century space both ecologically and economically. The building will harness the energy of the sun and take advantage of all cutting-edge technologies to ensure that it is a sustainable building. The roof structure of the theatre is designed as a garden overlooking the piazza with spectacular views out over the Bay of Dublin. Grand Canal Square Dublin images / text from Studio Daniel Libeskind