Libeskind in Dun Laoghaire

I would love to see some indication of the design-it would be a fantastic site.
I hope Dun Laoghaire have the vision to carry it through

I certainly hope that the project goes ahead, a project by Libeskind in Ireland would be a small step to attracting other international interest, something that is in short supply in the country.

I just hope it will suit Dun Laoghaire

I say let him put up what he wants. But then I won’t be deciding – and that’s part of the problem. Who am I? I am a member of the public. And why won’t I be deciding? Because I don’t know what architecture in Ireland is beyond what the Times and the Independent publish and the RTE broadcasts (and currently, I am not interested).

Whatever he puts up it could spark a much needed public debate that may penetrate through the relatively small elite of Irish architectural critics to the “people of Dublin” though publicity. The question at this stage is not whether the project will be contextual or not. The Dun Loughaire-Rathdown CC will do their work and so will the immediate residents as is their responsibility (and the even architects will have their say). The question is what will the nature of the debate be? will it last long enough to spark wider public interest? Or will it be another Eircom Park political debacle? (the only current language of public architectural debate)? And how many people in Ireland will know and perhaps even have an opinion of what architecture may do (or not do) for them. This must grow people’s architecture minds (or give birth to one). Perhaps I’m making more of this than is warranted, but you did say Libeskind, didn’t you?

‘Contextual’ must be one of the most abused terms in architectural debate of this kind. Unfortuately those who use it tend to mean will it ‘fit in’ visually, i.e. will it be a pastiche take on the predominant architectural style of the setting. Please clarify what you mean by this term: i.e. that Liebskind is interested in the project due to his interest in emigration suggests it will be completely contextual, as so many people emigrated to Britain on boats from Dun Laoghaire.
We should be welcoming the possibility of Liebskind’s project wholeheartedly.

dear izz4 and mk,

I overheard this converstation on holiday between my four year old daughter and my wife.

Anna; mum where did you meet dad?

Kate: at a disco, many years ago.

Anna: did you think he was attractive?

Kate: yes, I suppose I did.

Anna: what, could he juggle or something?

Until I read your views about context and Libeskind, this was the funniest comment I’d heard for a long while.

Alan:

I really do not understand what you mean about our ‘funny’ comments on Liebskind. Please! Less of the smoke and mirrors!
I was merely commenting on how the usage of the term ‘context’ is so broad, that it would be helpful in the interests of clear debate if people could specify what they meant by it.

Alan Dunlop,
Less of the Readers Digest anecdotes, your not only embarressing yourself, your making the rest of us cringe also.

Sorry mk, but this is virginal territory for me. Thanks though for the advice, I will take it in good grace from someone who obviously knows quite a bit about embarrassing disharge.

Sorry mk, again. It’s just that I find it difficult to take what you say seriously.

Confusing deconstructavism and context-really? It must be a Scottish thing and probably all my fault, I know, but you come across to me like a cocksure pedant. Are you a student?

Deepthroat is right, run it into the harbour and succesfully marry the two.

not really of epic proportions mk, I always suspected that taking part in discussions with those indulging in self defilement would result in my own premature withdrawal.

Sorry though deepnote, I have very much enjoyed your contributions. Good luck with Sports Campus Ireland