Does anyone know the architect name for this building?

No, there was only a green-field in place beforehand. The building is new, but I have to say I like the Mansard Roof and dormers. I have a great affiliation for post-modern style buildings – like the famous Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky. I love the idea of blending old style with modern. Glass and stone pillars. If ya don’t like this, you’re gonna hate the project currently in pre-planning being proposed for Bachelor’s Quay in Cork.

But does anyone know who designed this building???

Originally posted by bunch
lexington,

what site on bachelor’s quay are you talking about, i can’t think of any site there available for development??

I’m not just saying this to be difficult, but I can’t actually specify the development, all I can say is think the western end of Bachelor’s Quay – and if any old buildings come to mind that look out of place and semi-derelict, you’re probably right.

–> with regards the Watergold Building, I think it’s description relating to the Addams Family House, is probably a good one, but it looks like it with post-modern style. I do like this building because it is reminiscent of some sort of semi-Gothic ye olde European design mixed with modernity. I think too often architects in their desire to capture the modern edge, only really capture the modern trend (eg. Spencer Dock, Dublin; Cork City Hall extension) but some of the nicest buildings around, and which stand the test of time are those older buildings with intricate designs within a design, a classic example is the Cura Building on Paul Street (next to the Paul Street Car Park). I like the idea of engaging the classic, elegant and eye-holding characteristics of old with the edgy, progressive and sleek designs of nowadays. I think the Watergold Building, in some misconstruded way, attempts to catch this.

‘If’ what?

Nobody seems to know the architect, but hey, like it or loathe it, it does demand attention.

Opinions???

This building is SO good, I don’t care what anyone says!

Thanks sw101!!!

And I like it!!!

Well not so much work-house and asylums as cathedrals and ye olde grande houses. Whatever anyone says, the very fact the Watergold Building gets a response out of people justifies the fact it has character. The Humana Building above is the same. I just know what I like, some of my projects are of a similar style – but future ones are going to lean a lot more on Gothic/Romanesque meets Modernity and Cheateau Grande style – incorporating all that is positive in modern Irish architecture along the way. Towering stone colums, ornate detail, mansard roofs – the works. Think Antonio Gaudi et al Sagrada Familia meets the Watergold Building. Don’t pass judgement yet, just wait and see the results first.

Originally posted by Paul Clerkin
oh god…. does anyone know a paid assassin in cork?

There’s a brothel in Cork called the ‘Ass Ass Inn’, if that’s any good to ya Paul? Hehe – only messing…I demolished that years ago. 😉

And as for my talk of bring Antonio Gaudi and Renzo Piano styles together – I was only partially joking…or was I??? Hmmm.

Yeah I do like the idea of classical and modern architecture fused – some of the drawings we have for preplanning projects are exceptionally tasteful by all accounts – and have been designed (at a lot of expense and time) to raise the architectural standard of Cork city ten-fold. The idea is to have buildings that attract business with a WOW-factor. Previous experience has shown this is a highly successful technique.

As for assassins, if they’re needed in Cork, its for some unmentionable people whom I met today (though not they way I had hoped) who proved to me that they are at once patronizing, ill-informed and down-right rude! You know who I’m talking about. I can only assume the individual I encountered does not reflect all members – regardless of the fact that I clash with them regularly on the Planning field.

Damn I wish I understood sarcasm. You are being sarcastic right, FIN???

I’m trying to organise a meeting with them again but they are proving to be very aloof and difficult. I don’t understand how they can so casually disrupt the development process – and then when asked to discuss with those involved in the project, they simply refuse to. Have they got something to hide???

I won’t write any further evaluations of my meeting with them before the outcome of any prospective further meeting. But so far, they ain’t doing themselves ANY favours.

Originally posted by Devin
I know that Cork city centre is a special place and that new development there should be of high urban design quality.

I don’t know what the schemes that were refused for Cork city were like, but I did notice that, in all his moaning and sobbing, lexington never once stated the grounds of objection (or refusal) for his schemes. Was it scale? exceedence of recommended plot ratio? architectural design? impact on older buildings? traffic generation? Only once he said something about old warehouses.

The Watergold Building remains a favourite of mine, but it is not a building I would vehemently support in Cork city centre. I am more mystified by its arrogant beauty – in how it stands out unashamedly in an area like Douglas. The real monstrosities of Douglas are that of the Douglas Court SC and Douglas Village SC, were you to see these buildings with relation to the Watergold Building, I think you’d agree it is somewhat of an oasis. My personal preference for architecture has always been rooted in post-modern. However, there is no example of architecture I have ever come across that has reflected this preference. Though I like Watergold, it is not a building I would involve myself in. Of projects we have at preplanning, it is widely agreed, their architectural quality is superior to anything of that in the city at present – with exception to some of the older buildings. I can’t discuss this more but when I can, I will post CGs.

First of all, on ALL the projects I have listed, plus more, I will gladly state the grounds for objection upon your request, just ask or specify a particular project. All the objections can be validated through contact with CCC Planning Dept. on telephone at either (021) 4924321 / 4924324 / 4924325.

After further consultation with Werdna Ltd, all existing warehouse buildings which are NOT protected structures at Water Street are being renovated and retained at large expense in the local public interest (MOLA made such concessions) and at the foresighted risk of objection (this was decided upon BEFORE An T objected or any application was lodged. See the below drawings as proof.) An T objected to this particular project on the grounds that it would be aesthestically adverse to the existing nature of Cork Port (this is a point you can judge for yourself on viewing of the drawings. Even Diaspora, who often varies opinion from me on such issues, agrees the design reflects a high quality) AND that construction may disrupt the condition of existing warehouse structures, as well as the slip-way on the former Cork Port site – ALL of which are being retained and protected for incorporation into the project – changed of use to IT/Business Centre facilities. These are spurious grounds for objection as their retention and preservation are important elements of the development and viability plan and application. NO structural changes are being made with the exception of some internal refurbishment and adjustment from warehousing which is derelict, vacant and NOT protected (see CCC Protected Structures Guide List 2004) to commercial use.

(Picture outlining development plan – note the EXISTING STRUCTURES are highlighted, these are for retention)

The EIS submitted suggests that the main routes of Horgan’s Quay (currently being relayed, resurfaced and widened leading to city centre) and Lower Glanmire Road (an N Route) would be the predominant traffic ways affected by the development which would incorporate 482 vehicle spaces for residential and commercial use. The EIS and Senior City Engineer agree that the proximity of the development to the main routes would mean vehicular activity would be sustainable in consideration that most residents would have easy pedestrian access to the city centre from such a location. The development scale is mentioned below – as you enquired. The development site on Water Street as well as Horgan’s Quay are both zoned for such large scale development – of which Horgan’s Quay has in the past received planning (a plan which for political reasons did not proceed).

Client: Werdna Ltd.
Site Area: 1.6217 hectares (4 acres)
No. of Units: 400 Apartments
– 1 Bed Apartments – 50 units
– 2 Bed Apartments – 314 units
(77 sq.m. to 115 sq.m. per unit)
– 3 Bed Apartments – 36 units
Business Centre
Creche
Shops/Cáfe
Floor Area: Residential
Business Centre
Office
Retail
Creche 44,391 sq.m.
2,500 sq.m.
172 sq.m.
506 sq.m.
253 sq.m.

Parking Area: 11,950 sq.m.
478 Car Parking Spaces

Density: 100 units per acre
Plot Ratio: 1:2.78
Contract Value: €80 million

For similar information on ANY of the projects which I have previously mentioned or haven’t. I will provide all the details you deem important – and in ALL cases show how An T’s objections are weak and destructive (with the exception of the Grangefield Development at the Arbutus Lodge, an objection I whole-heartedly support along with the residents. This is a valid objection with consideration to architectural conservation, resident privacy, zoning and traffic consequences).

Then you will respect that not all people share the same preference for architecture – and that must be respected. This is a forum for discussion of opinion after all.