Fresh designs to go on show

“Next generation” architecture is the theme of Open House Dublin 2009. Ireland’s biggest designer festival runs until Sunday with over 160 buildings on view throughout the capital.

Appropriately, a number of iconic buildings are getting their very first public airing this weekend — providing a unique insight into the current state of Irish architecture.

These include Ireland’s newest purpose-built international conference and event centre at Spencer Dock. Designed by acclaimed Irish design guru and Pritzker award-winner Kevin Roche, this building is not due for completion until September 2010, but progress to date can be seen Sunday (12-5pm).

Shay Cleary Architects’ eight-storey over basement Liffey Trust Housing is also open for inspection. The project incorporates the Liffey Trust Enterprise Centre, a designated performing arts school and residential accommodation.

Other notable additions to the capital’s design stock likewise on view publicly for the first time include Wood Quay Centre by McCullough Mulvin and residences on Forbes St by McCauley Dave O’Connell.

“Becoming” at DARC Space, Gallery of Architecture, 26 North Great George’s St, traces the progress of architectural ideas from the initial design/competition stages through to the realised building.

The Irish Independent