As the debate continues and Auckland’s waterfront potential is slowly realised, we were excited to see the completion of Dublin’s Grand Canal Square by Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP).
This project provokes interest on both an urban space and building design level while promoting the value of public space within the city. Unique and exciting areas of a city can often be created by clever use and integration of such spaces, which appears to be what Auckland City endeavours to achieve.
Grand Canal Square is part of the larger development by Chartered Land. John McLaughlin, Director of Architecture with the Docklands Authority was stated as saying: ‘we are delighted that this project will make the public space the focus of the development, complimenting the different buildings’
The 10,000sqm Square is located at the west end of Grand Canal Dock facing the River Liffey. MSP’s design features include a striking ‘red carpet’ extending from the Daniel Libeskind designed theatre over the dock, made of bright red resin-glass paving covered with red glowing angled lightsticks. This is in addition to a softer ‘green carpet’, consisting of polygon-shaped planters featuring marsh vegetation to act as a reminder of the historic wetland nature of the site – whilst also providing additional seating. MSP’s distinctive use of lighting, water and colour are particular strengths of the design
Grand Canal Square is part of the larger development by Chartered Land. John McLaughlin, Director of Architecture with the Docklands Authority was stated as saying: ‘we are delighted that this project will make the public space the focus of the development, complimenting the different buildings’
The 10,000sqm Square is located at the west end of Grand Canal Dock facing the River Liffey. MSP’s design features include a striking ‘red carpet’ extending from the Daniel Libeskind designed theatre over the dock, made of bright red resin-glass paving covered with red glowing angled lightsticks. This is in addition to a softer ‘green carpet’, consisting of polygon-shaped planters featuring marsh vegetation to act as a reminder of the historic wetland nature of the site – whilst also providing additional seating. MSP’s distinctive use of lighting, water and colour are particular strengths of the design
