The "Dublin Eye"
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This is so pathetic.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0723/1224251145318.html
@Today’s Irish Times wrote:
IT’S TYPICAL: you wait ages for a giant ferris whell to come along and then two turn up at once.
The race is on to be the first to build Dublin’s answer to the London Eye – the 135m observation wheel on the south bank of the river Thames.
Developer Harry Crosbie stole a march yesterday by announcing he intended to build a €10 million Dublin Eye beside his O2 arena in the Point Village.
A statement released on Mr Crosbie’s behalf yesterday said that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) had “chosen†the Point Village as the site for the Dublin Eye and that work would get under way immediately subject to planning permission.The giant wheel would be run as part of the Point Square concept with Dublin City Council “which will host free to the public rock concerts, produce markets, giant screen sports events as Dublin’s new civic centre†it said.
The project would be a joint venture between the Point Village and World Tourist Attractions Ltd which runs several observation wheels in Australia and Europe including the Wheel of Belfast.
However, both the docklands authority and the council said they had no involvement in Mr Crosbie’s plans.
The authority said yesterday it had not approved Mr Crosbie’s scheme and was instead seeking tenders for its own observation wheel project which would be located either in George’s Dock or Custom House Quay, both of which are farther up the Liffey towards the city than the Point Village.
Dublin City Council has also had no involvement in Mr Crosbie’s project and has made no agreement in relation to hosting rock concerts in Point Square.
The docklands authority last April sought expressions of interest to build its wheel, which could be in excess of 80 metres high and could accommodate up to 500,000 visitors a year. An authority spokeswoman said the tender process was ongoing so she could not say whether World Tourist Attractions Ltd was one of the bidders.
The authority said last April that it hoped to have the structure by Christmas. However, the spokeswoman said yesterday that a date for its construction would not be determined until after the tender process was complete.
The wheel does not fit into any of the docklands planning schemes, known as section 25 schemes, which do not require planning permission. Both Mr Crosbie and the successful docklands authority candidate will have to apply to the city council for planning permission.
It’s already been done in London.
So, please, come up with something new…
…for Dublin.
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I just heard about this proposal on the news and my first thoughts were a comparison of the views from both attractions.
London Eye –
Palace of Westminster
County Hall
Somerset House
Savoy Hotel
St Paul’s
Whitehall
Victoria Embankment
Cleopatra’s Needle
Shell Building
Westminster BridgeDublin Eye
Poolbeg Power Plant
Irish Ferries terminal
The Point (Sorry O2)
East Link BridgeAnd thats only when to step onto the thing. (Or proposed thing)
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What happened to his medical man thing?? He should do that instead.
PLEASE don’t do a ferris wheel. We may as well take down the Spire and build a giant arch in reconstituted granite. Surely Crosbie is not doing this? His projects always had some spirit. Could whoever is proposing this maybe go to Berlin for a weekend to see the standard & originality of public art/monuments?
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@Global Citizen wrote:
I just heard about this proposal on the news and my first thoughts were a comparison of the views from both attractions.
London Eye –
Palace of Westminster
County Hall
Somerset House
Savoy Hotel
St Paul’s
Whitehall
Victoria Embankment
Cleopatra’s Needle
Shell Building
Westminster BridgeDublin Eye
Poolbeg Power Plant
Irish Ferries terminal
The Point (Sorry O2)
East Link BridgeAnd thats only when to step onto the thing. (Or proposed thing)
Don’t be so negative.
you’ll be in prime position for a fantasic view of…………….the DDDA Eye.
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But sure we always end up copying the Brits.
And I agree, there is S.F.A. to see down there………..except grey skies.
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@marmajam wrote:
Don’t be so negative.
you’ll be in prime position for a fantasic view of…………….the DDDA Eye.
I’d just like to point out I made this joke first, and so you’ll be hearing from my lawyers!
In fairness though, Dublin doesn’t have a skyline so there’s really not much to see from anywhere. I think many people would be interested in seeing the city stretching into the distance and the Wicklow mountains, as well as the Irish sea, which will be the same no matter where it’s built. It could have a nice peaceful atmosphere with its view into the vastness of the sea.
As another possible idea, I’ve always thought it would be great if somebody built a tower that was banana-shaped. It would involve a mechanism whereby it peeled every morning, and closed up every evening. You could also make enormous advertising revenues from the banana companies.
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@rumpelstiltskin wrote:
I’d just like to point out I made this joke first, and so you’ll be hearing from my lawyers!
In fairness though, Dublin doesn’t have a skyline so there’s really not much to see from anywhere. I think many people would be interested in seeing the city stretching into the distance and the Wicklow mountains, as well as the Irish sea, which will be the same no matter where it’s built. It could have a nice peaceful atmosphere with its view into the vastness of the sea.
As another possible idea, I’ve always thought it would be great if somebody built a tower that was banana-shaped. It would involve a mechanism whereby it peeled every morning, and closed up every evening. You could also make enormous advertising revenues from the banana companies.
pity there isn’t more of a market for Ugli fruits. We’d clean up.
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There was that ad for tights at the Five Lamps about twelve years ago. They slid automatically up and down the hot model’s legs coquettishly. It was distracting. We don’t need a 100ft peeling banana. People will crash over the quay wall.
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How about a giant ufo shaped structure attached to the top of an elegant tapering support. It could contain an observatory and thus be of interest to visitors for a number of reasons.
Or how about a very tall complex of many large glass spheres attached to one another by narrow tunnels containing stairs, connecting corridors etc. It would resemble a model of a chemical molecule and could contain within its spheres modern interactive science exhibits.
How about a giant 100m diameter shimmering hollow gold ring, supported in four places by elegantly curved supports radiating from a central point. It could be very tall and contain a revolving restaurant, or an exhibition relating to the history of dublin while pinpointing historical locations visible in the view of the city below.
Frankly, I think your average school child could think of 100 more interesting ideas for a landmark observation structure than a ferris wheel.
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“Or how about a very tall complex of many large glass spheres attached to one another by narrow tunnels containing stairs, connecting corridors etc. It would resemble a model of a chemical molecule and could contain within its spheres modern interactive science exhibits.”
There is something like this in Brussels called the Atomium
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Oh dear. So I have no original ideas. But at least it would be (possibly) the second one in Europe. And you could make it a little different I suppose, maybe by turning the spheres into random shapes, or into boxes.
What about an extremely tall roller-coaster like structure, but which goes much slower than a roller-coaster. Glass pods would glide along a path 100s of feet above the ground, passing scale models of historical aircraft and space vehicles, which could thereby be experienced “in their element” in the air.
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What about a giant pyramid structure, but with only two sides made from clear glass. Each side would stand on each side of the Liffey, meeting in the middle where the capstone of the pyramid would contain an observation deck and an exhibition about the history of all kinds of pyramids.
How about a scale model of a jumbo jet turned sideways, containing an exhibition relating to the history of aviation in Ireland, with the observation deck in the cockpit.
How about a giant Newton’s cradle, with the two spheres at each end slowly lifting into the air in turn to provide panoramic views of the city. All five spheres would contain a science museum.
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I think a big wheel would be a a positive contribution to Dublin’s attractions, even if it’s not in the slightest bit original.
There’s also a lot to be said with going for a tried and tested idea, and using a company that has other operational wheels is probably the best bet.
Check out what happened to the poor folk down under at Melbourne Docklands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Southern_Star_(observation_wheel)
(and its actually a very attractive looking wheel)All that said, it would be good to give some slight Dublin theme to it.
This can only really be done with the base/location as they have done very well in Beijing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Great_WheelHow could we achieve something as spectacular as they they in Beijing with exactly the same wheel?
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@rumpelstiltskin wrote:
the capstone of the pyramid would contain an observation deck and an exhibition about the history of all kinds of pyramids.
Fascinating! Coupled with an envelope museum, we’d be the envy of Europe.
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These are all too weird. Your best bet would be a 50 storey thatched cottage with some nice fishing boats tied up along the quay.
On a less serious note, if something as mild as Gormley’s ‘Standing Man’ can cause convulsions in our quaint inner city communities then anything really interesting would be difficult.
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Rumpelstiltskin, your ideas are getting progressively wackier.
I suggest you stop, before you go completely mad and come up with something impossibly ludicrous like…Oh, I dunno…maybe….cable cars along the river Liffey!:D
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The wheel will work ok there but its hardy ground breaking…
The big broken one got some ridiculous amount of funding from the government.
It was originally supposed to be above a main train station but it got the cold hard shoulder which is great.this is the little cute one below that is still going….
I imagine its a lot more popular than the big one because of footfall/location.
It also seems portable if worst comes to worst…http://www.flickr.com/photos/deanmelbourne/2366082992/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22729519@N03/3494990475/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tengtan/3464196841/ -
what if u2 donated the claws to dublin after the gigs??;)
one on the main bridge???
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/106029381_09da4cfa83_o.jpg
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Getting more confusing now
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/city-news/city-is-backing-dublin-eye–to-lead-tourist-revolution-1838798.htmlHow many eyes will the City have? Seems DCC haven’t a clue anyway, the DDDA and Mr Crosbie must not have consulted them. There really ought to be more co-operation between DCC and the DDDA the councellors havent a clue what’s going on in the Docklands. I think it’s time for democracy to return to that part of the city!
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I think we should build this eye in the centre of the IFSC – to keep manners on those bankers!
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I’ve been up enough observation towers/wheels/decks to know that unless the view is awe-inspiring, then it’s not worth your while. Eiffel Tower, Fernsehturm, Empire state building, London Eye…all great views. Our best bet is the ‘Gravity Bar’ at the Guiness Brewery. At least there you can see the liberties and some of Pheonix Park. I, for one, would not pay to see the docklands at 80m, i can barely stomach it at 0m…
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Maybe DCC should enter the race so and announce an eye in the Phoenix Park!
That would definitely be my favourite location for one. You might be able to see the Giraffes from it! Imagine that! -
@Cathal Dunne wrote:
I think we should build this eye in the centre of the IFSC – to keep manners on those bankers!
Maybe the watch tower will be like that one day! (or NLMA HQ)
What’s going on with NLMA? I want to see some detailed balance sheetsMr Lenihan was speaking at the publication of the annual report of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which said Nama may be classified as being outside the government sector with liabilities held “off balance sheet”. He said he hoped the Nama scheme would not prove to be a “happy hunting ground” for lawyers.
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I’ve been wanting a chessboard for a long time…
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It’d be nice if you’d credit the photos you post here, or at least tell us the location/event.
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http://www.londondesignfestival.com
Jaime Hayón
Site specific installation designed by Jaime Hayon for London Design Festival 2009 -
The concept for this innovative and dynamic art installation to be exhibited in Trafalgar Square during the 2009 London Design Festival is inspired by English culture and its symbolism.
‘The Tournament’ is a giant chess game situated between the two fountains and faces the staircase of the National Portrait Gallery. During the Festival the public can sign up to play through the Festival website and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Artist / designer Jaime Hayon portrays his perception of codes and ideas using the chessboard and its elements as a tool to recreate a theatrical and playful interactive scenography of English history and tradition.
I’m such a philistine – here was me thinking it was a giant chessboard like you used to get at holiday camps until even they realised they were old hat. I must read more
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@GregF wrote:
But sure we always end up copying the Brits.
And I agree, there is S.F.A. to see down there………..except grey skies.
A while back I had occasion to be on the roof of the PWC HQ (long, boring story). Whilst there’s not (m)any landmarks as such the panorama is actually very nice. Assuming this yoke will be much higher then I don’t think it would be a disappointment. there’s bugger all to see in Belfast but it’s still an enjoyable jaunt
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@rumpelstiltskin wrote:
What about a giant pyramid structure, but with only two sides made from clear glass. Each side would stand on each side of the Liffey, meeting in the middle where the capstone of the pyramid would contain an observation deck and an exhibition about the history of all kinds of pyramids.
How about a scale model of a jumbo jet turned sideways, containing an exhibition relating to the history of aviation in Ireland, with the observation deck in the cockpit.
How about a giant Newton’s cradle, with the two spheres at each end slowly lifting into the air in turn to provide panoramic views of the city. All five spheres would contain a science museum.
Brilliant.
Our capital city deserves real balls.
Something Dublin lacks at the moment
It could only be better than that heap of balls outside Brussels.
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On a serious note, is there really anything wrong with just conceiving some apparently wacky idea and using the docklands as a testing ground for it? I mean, the area is completely dead and architecturally undistinguished anyway. Do we have to be so maddeningly portentous about our public spaces to the point where anything moderately risky is immediately disregarded? This is a nation famous for its sense of humour and its resistance to symbols of authority, so why not represent that spirit by just going crazy and turning the docklands into a laboratory for every nutjob architect out there? The rule from now on should be: no Zaha Hadid, no Norman Foster, no Santiago Calatrava, and nothing that has already been done anywhere else.
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portentous?
possibly.
‘A great wheel will fill the gael of Eblana with awe and shock’
The Bible (somewhere in the back)
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@marmajam wrote:
portentous?
possibly.
‘A great wheel will fill the gael of Eblana with awe and shock’
The Bible (somewhere in the back)
I simply mean that people have this really nervous attitude to new architecture in Dublin, like unimaginative undergraduates awed by established names. The most interesting students are the ones that challenge and tear up the orthodoxy. Dublin is so stymied by the fear of getting it wrong, that it does nothing right. It’s simply chugging along 10 years behind the consensus like most other cities in the world. Doesn’t it say something about the docklands that the most effective development so far is a Calatrava bridge which is an exact clone of about ten others around the world?
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@rumpelstiltskin wrote:
I simply mean that people have this really nervous attitude to new architecture in Dublin, like unimaginative undergraduates awed by established names. The most interesting students are the ones that challenge and tear up the orthodoxy. Dublin is so stymied by the fear of getting it wrong, that it does nothing right. It’s simply chugging along 10 years behind the consensus like most other cities in the world. Doesn’t it say something about the docklands that the most effective development so far is a Calatrava bridge which is an exact clone of about ten others around the world?
(1) we’re not good at visual arts.
(2) we’re a bit insular and conservative
(3) we have an attitude that authorities are screwing usthat’s the A to Z of it. Anything else said would be padding.
Salvation might come if a genius incarnates and designs another Four Courts or Guggenheim Bibao for Eblana. Then the outraged of D4 might get a mad taste for the original.In the meantime we’ll have to get our inspiration from plays about feuds and matyrs in romantic Oirland.
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On second thoughts, how about that Cable Car idea?
How about putting a few more landmarks about to look at.
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