Barry

I’m surprised and impressed that a small practice woud invest the time and money in actually visiting the site for a competition with such huge odds. It obviously paid dividends as their entry is apparently the only shortlisted entry to actaully afford views of the pyramids from the internal exhibition space…seems an almost obvious solution that was missed by most. Well done H.P.

I thought the west elevation of the Zoe/Dunloe Ewart building implied some semblence of architectural form which would have been conducive to a landmark building, visually terminating the quay. The east elevation however reveals a confused hodge podge of forms and proportions. This, coupled with the stumpy “twisted torso” U2 “tower” at the quay edge merely demonstrate the incompetance of planners who have squandered 2 wonderful opportunities to develop a worthwhile building in this painfully conservative city…….Oh what they would have done in Paris!!

Disappointing that the private sector is being shafted yet again with significant portions of these large projects being handed to the OPW. What happened to competition and open tendering?

Its inevitable with Architectural & Beauty competitions that any winner will be subjected to criticism rather than praise….its the fragility of the egos involved I guess. What doesnt help at all in this particular scenario is the scent of possible nepotism involved in the process….it is all to familiar in our politics and the way we do things here. Enough!…if suggestions aired on this site pertaining to Mr. Dunne are true, the probability of co incidence is beyond credibility, and the process and result should be brought into question or defended with substantiation.
It is a poor reflection on the lack of professionalism in this country that we cannot seem to progress any significant project without controversy, petty political manouevering or cronyism.

IN response to Johns note date 27th March

Why must gates be necessary to calm traffic. The proposal is for Gates 5 ft. in height. A simple change in level or numerous other traffic calming methods could be undertaken to solve any serious issues of joyriding, although I must refute Senator Norris’ claim of a joyriding problem. I have lived on North Great Georges Street for over two years and have never encountered such problems.

The issue of alternative routing for traffic has not been considered. As was noted, the reported bus accident took place on Hill Street. The traffic buid up on this street would no doubt double as a result of the closure of North Great Georges Street. Having witnessed the many children using Hill street as a palyground the possibilty for further accidents would no doubt increase.