It was an early start on Friday morning, for the coach trip around Dublin City Centre taking in the impressive Elms Park Development by Bucholz McEvoy Architects. It was refreshing to see a mixed-use development of this size turning a vast majority of the site area over to pedestrian assess and circulation allowing the development to sit remarkably comfortably in its environment. The design proves that current environmental issues can be successfully addressed without compromising the final product. After a quick stop off at Grand Union Square for a refreshment break and a chance to see the Libeskind Performance Theatre the tour continued on foot around the south docklands area taking in the site of the new Santiago Calatrava Bridge.
Back on the bus and after a building hunt we finally arrived at the understated Sean O'Casey Community Centre. I felt that the simplicity of the design and the small palette of materials was this buildings greatest achievement.
After a short break for lunch the group, minus a few members, meet up at the CRID Building for a guided tour of the award winning O'Donnell & Tuomey building. Like many of O'Donnell & Tuomey buildings it was the simple, well-executed details that really made this building. It was interesting to be guided around the building by the Facilities Manager who was able to offer the 'users' view on the building' a user who obviously loved the building, but one who also understand the flaws.
Saturday was a day for relaxing with the itinerary left open to the individual. Most of the group made the journey across the city to the Guinness Storehouse for the informative tour and free pint. It was a lucky coincidence that the weekend of our trip was the weekend of open Irish architecture, which saw a number of practices and buildings opening their doors to the public.
For those of us who had not visited Dublin before it was a chance to see, first hand, examples of brilliant architecture in a city that had a unique atmosphere - unlike any other city in Europe. With the October issue of the RIBA Journal dedicated to Irish Architecture it would be wise to keep one eye on this fair city.
The trip again was a great success and was enjoyed by all. Any suggestions for future trips would be welcomed.
