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Dublin CYA Library

UNI OF BATH

2016

Brief and Site

The Children and Young Adults Library is part of a wide scale plan for the redevelopment of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter of Dublin. It is a satellite location to the Dublin City Library which will be at the heart of the scheme in Parnell Square. The overriding aims of the project are to spark regeneration along, and attract visitors to, the Civic Spine of the city.

Only a 5 minute walk from the Spire, a thriving centre of Dublin, the Gloucester Place Site is located in an area of relative poverty. It is a stark illustration of an urban wasteland and highlights Dublin as a fractured city.

 

A combination of derelict sites, low income residences and the highest migrant and New Irish population in Dublin has lead Gloucester place to become a marginalised area. 

The theory of Urban Acupuncture seeks to address this kind of inner city decline through small, targeted ‘pinpricks’ of aid which act as a catalyst for wider regeneration. The theory goes on to suggest that inner city disparity is caused by primarily social, rather than economic, divides. Consequently, the breaking down of these social barriers is the most effective way of reducing disparity.

For this reason, along with the library function, the design incorporates an Education Centre and an Intercultural Hub. The Intercultural Hub will promote inclusion between migrants and the local community and will work in tandem with the Education Centre in providing English Language classes to new migrants. The wide range of other courses offered at the Education Centre will attract visitors from further afield, promoting exchange between racial, ethnic and class communities.

Design Process

The design is a contextual response which aims to draw together the surrounding community. It promotes openness and exchange through the use of a permeable facade linking internal and external space, along with pronounced approaches and entrances designed to attract visitors to the building. The design engages with the entirety of the context, providing a reassuring presence to an otherwise dark and often unsafe cul-de-sac.  

Building is set back from the front of the site to allow for a public square.

Prominent external stair which forms the main approach to the site determines the entrance to the building.

Curve corner to soften approach from the south and engage with the context. This prevents the building from turning it's back an any areas and instead provides a reassuring presence.

Curve corner to soften approach from the south and engage with the context. This prevents the building from turning it's back an any areas and instead provides a reassuring presence.

Building is divided into two wings, served by a central atrium.

Building is divided into two wings, served by a central atrium.

A colonnade adds permeability, opening a dialogue between internal and external spaces, and between the public and the building.

A colonnade adds permeability, opening a dialogue between internal and external spaces, and between the public and the building.

Building is set on a concrete plinth, its boundary marked by planting, creating a heightened sense of place. Green corridors guide visitors to the building from the main approaches.

Building is set on a concrete plinth, its boundary marked by planting, creating a heightened sense of place. Green corridors guide visitors to the building from the main approaches.

The Scheme

Detail Design