World City Icons.
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Actually looking back at the Grand Canal Square plans it struck me that that develoment has the potential to become a decent landmark for Dublin.
There was a question on University Challenge last Monday along the lines of ‘Known as “The stiletto in the ghetto”, “the [something]” and “the [something]”, a 120m Spire was erected in 2003 in what city?’
Only one person knew the answer and even then it sounded like a guess. Hardly good evidence of its international reputation.
(Sorry I can’t remember the other names- they were of the standard Dublin witticism variety.)
When the Eiffel Tower went up there were riots. It took decades to be accepted no mind admired. The spike is simple and elegant at night. In time we will come to like it, no doubt about it.
The Arch at the Grafton St entrance to Stephens Green has potential as does the Stephens Green centre in a peverse sort of way!
Thank God for this.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/landmark-chimneys-denied-protected-status-1318383.html
Landmark chimneys denied protected status
Saturday March 15 2008
THEY have featured in numerous postcards and a very famous Guinness ad, but perhaps their most important cameo appearance came when they featured in U2s ‘Pride (In The Name Of Love)’ video.
However, Dublin City Council does not believe the Poolbeg chimneys are iconic enough to place on their Record of Protected Structures.
Following a request from Cllr Dermot Lacey (Lab) to have the landmark ESB chimneys placed on the protected record, city councillors heard that city planners had conducted a survey, history and full assessment of the chimneys.
They concluded from this that while the Poolbeg chimneys were considered to be of a certain level of architectural, social and historical significance, they were not of sufficient value within the meaning of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
Complex
The twin red and white chimney stacks measure 680 feet in height and were constructed in two phases between 1969 and 1977.
They form one component of a complex of late 20th century industrial structures relating to the production of electricity.
According to Patricia Hyde, Dublin City Council senior planner, the chimneys are functional industrial structures, but have become prominent landmarks in Dublin Bay and as part of the Dublin skyline. “The chimneys are located in a highly industrial area of Dublin Bay. (They) have become a focus of sentiment to the local community,” she said.
– Niall Bourke
Why do you say that Paul?
I’m surprised by this rejection, but more so that it was even proposed in the first place. Good to see someone’s taking the broader picture. What a terrible article – the whole crux of the story has been missed, aside from a reference to not being ‘iconic enough’, which in itself I’d imagine to be an inaccurate representation of the matters considered.
I think we have a problem in Ireland with accepting one of the fundamentals of the Venice Charter, as expressed in Article 1:
“The concept of a historic monument embraces not only […] great works of art but also more modest works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of time.”
The same is also applicable to Liberty Hall, which looks like we’re going to lose. Indeed can anyone name any example of a structure here that has been protected purely/principally for this reason?
@GrahamH wrote:
Why do you say that Paul?
I dont really see ugly chimney stacks as our city’s most prominent structures, as being particulary dignified. The same chimneys which might be seen in any dirty industrial plant anywhere in the world.
What is ugly about them?
Similar chimneys can be seen elsewhere; but the precise location of ours, their particular setting is distinct, storied and dignified by the common memory of the cities inhabitants.
I difficult decision as they are quite ugly structures but are definitley part of the Cultural landscape as explemplified by the Bank of Ireland Football ad that sees two dodgy painters jumping a wall after painting them Blue and Navy; their siting works out very well but the future of industrial activity in this location in 15 years must be in question.
In any event I’d hate to pay to remove them as I’d suspect from the construction period that they are riddled with asbestos which is generally harmless insitu but costs a fortune to remove and dispose of responsibly. They are probably safe on the basis their footprint is neglible whilst demolition costs would be substantial. These are a very unique piece of industrial plant but the dangers of creating a precedent probably outweigh the probability that someone would propose their removal.
My purely personal view is that it would be criminal to remove the Poolbeg stacks.
To me they are the greatest landmark of Dublin. Whether you arrive by air or sea, they are one of the first things you see. Approaching the city, particularly from the south, they again act as a landmark of the city.
Their sentimental value, not just to me, but to huge numbers of Dubliners is enormous.
I don’t think they’re ugly in any way. They’re quite beautiful.
Again, PVC King; what is ugly about them, they have a pleasing sculptural form, and the distance between them is somehow perfect. CAn you explain what about them you find ugly?
This is an interesting one alright. Their protection may compromise the ability to develop the area in the future (in theory anyway) but their demolition would remove the key point of orientation for the city. I’m not old enough to remember a Dublin pre-chimneys and find it impossible to imagine the view without them (a job for Missarchi?)
I think they are spectacular in their brutality which is compounded by their location. However in the long term I think their replacement by a new urban neighbourhood should be considered.
Hate to drag out the hackneyed Barca comparison but what would you prefer?
However one must always bear in mind how they can look:
Having lived on the Dublin coastline all my life I appreciate the Bay more than many and often enjoy being stuck atop a bus in traffic just to take in the view, while the drive along Strand Road is always a treat. The best I can offer is that I wouldn’t like to be the planner who has to decide on their future if and when that decision arises. In the meantime they should carry out the proposal to light them up.
What i find ugly is more what they represent, Dublin’s tallest, maybe most visible and prominent structures are industrial chimney’s ? What does it say about us?
For a second replace the Eiffel Tower with this power station , wouldnt have the same appeal:D
Maybe i’m looking too deeply into itIts a bit of both. I also dont think they look good .
Its hard to imagine the view without them, but then i picture it and , you know what its not too bad:D@notjim wrote:
Again, PVC King; what is ugly about them, they have a pleasing sculptural form, and the distance between them is somehow perfect. CAn you explain what about them you find ugly?
The concrete base
The paint finish
Tha gaudy lights at night for air safety
As they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and therefore it is all a matter of opinion and not fact but I find the odd 1970’s spandrel pannelled office block attractive but little else from that period including clothes, cars, architecture or power stations. I often thank god that I was too young to be culpable for my own design decisions for the part of that decade I was around!
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