Bank Of Ireland Baggot St.

Terrible the way it was plonked (like a big shit I suppose) in among a Georgian period street.

See the full list of protected structures in Dublin (last updated September 16, 2003) at http://www.dublincity.ie/planning/devplan/writtendev/devplaninfo/protstruct03.pdf

And the way the two phases jutting out onto the street arn’t even the same height – still, love the main body of the building – and the view of it from Stephens Green down Merrion Row (could do without the obligatory air-conditioning unit though)

Graham, I have to say I think it would be crap if the two blocks coming out to the streetline were the same size. It’s their slight variation in height and width that saves them, makes them complement the Georgian streetscape. The main block is at a slight angle to the street, so even if the smaller blocks were the same size the whole thing wouldn’t be completely symmetrical.

The fact that they so brutally impinge on the streetscape I think makes it irrelevant as to how they complement the streetscape from a height point of view.
It would have improved the overall scheme to have the buildings the same height – if the street was lost. at least the resulting building could have been that bit better. It would have worked better for the street too, as the lower block almost looks like a seperate building when seen from further up the street.

I like the diiferent heights….

http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/dublin/southcity/baggot_street/bankofireland_baggot_lge.html

I noticed passing today that the yellow painted sculpture has moved from the centre of the Plaza to the right (C Block) was this a recent move?

My photo is a few years old and shows the sculpture to the right hand side as you look at the buildings from the street…

I have very clear memories of it being centred between B & C blocks about five years ago.

Possibly it was interfering with the tree that is now quite prominent.

I never really liked this building in real life, but it looks good in the photo.

Is this the HQ of Bank of Ireland? 😮 I always used to call it “the bank that takes commission” because they always take commission from me when other branches don’t :confused:

I have read in another thread that Bank of Ireland has some of the best buildings in Dublin – I agree with that, but I don’t agree that the College Green branch (is that what it’s called?) is the best. I have always liked the branch on Lower/Upper Leeson St near the canal.

In common with AIB the Bank of Ireland has many fine premisis both historic such as 7-8 Dame St and contemporary such as the first phase of the IFSC.

This I believe is a throw back to historical times where banks were basically fortresses for money and precious metals.

THe BOI in Baggot St is one of the best contemporary buildings in Dublin, it is simply a pity that Dublin has built most of its best buildings in insensitive places.

The Central Bank would look better where IFSC house is located with the Bank of Ireland Accross the river for counter weight?

I read the planning notices and it seems as if they are going to expand the offices out level withfront of the building and get rid of the public plaza. It also mentions something bout fences, possibly a reaction to the trouble they have with the scateboarders (I’ve seen the security guard running after them a few times). A pity I think, I like the openness of the space there!

This would be terrible, if you pass this site on a fine day it has lots going on, lots of people sit on the surrounding low wall. It would be a shame to fence it all off to prevent a few teens who never bothered anyone anyway. Besides I haven’t seen many since they clued lots of anti-skating messures to the walls and rails.

This is a classic building and should not be tinkered with. The bank should use the money to reduce fees.

Originally posted by BulldozerGirl
I never really liked this building in real life, but it looks good in the photo.

Is this the HQ of Bank of Ireland? 😮 I always used to call it “the bank that takes commission” because they always take commission from me when other branches don’t :confused:

It is, my first job was in that building. The restaurant was (is?) on the 6th floor of Block A (the main building). I presume that what they are doing is converting office accommodation into more restaurant space. When I was there (7 years ago) they were starting the process of cramming more people in to the existing space so I presume that staff numbers increasing means that they need more restaurant space.

Originally posted by emf
. It also mentions something bout fences, possibly a reaction to the trouble they have with the scateboarders (I’ve seen the security guard running after them a few times). A pity I think, I like the openness of the space there!

Surely that has been sorted by the small strips of stone that have been added to the low wall. These strips render it completely useless to skateborders as it is impossible to generate sufficient momentum to do any tricks.

Railings would be a disaster and a highly retrograde step. I understand that a certain undesirable element congregates at the Fitzwilliam end of Gratten House (Block B) on the wall, I have often got a good whiff of a banned substance.

Therefore it would be better for the Gardai to get up off their arses and move these people on, as opposed to destroying the architectural value of one of Dublin’s few good contemporary buildings. 🙁

The ESB around the corner has those slabs up too – everytime I walk past now on a Saturday I see the skateboarders just using that vast flat Fitzwilliam footpath parallel instead!