phatman

As regards, the airbridges in Cork airport, I seem to have lost track, but weren’t we told that at least one, if not two, of the initially proposed three were being scrapped? Because it looks like all three were built in this image…

And by the way, just noticed it in the background there, but anyone agree if I suggested the great southern hotel is the most boring building ever? Looks like a fecking barn, really crap if I might say so.

@d_d_dallas wrote:

Part of the reason the Dunkettle dvt was rejected was down to an absence of design and amenity – surface carparks, single aspect units, poor orientation etc. If O’Flynn wants to get this thing through he needs to invest in the notion that people will actually have to live in these houses when they’re sold.

Lol, a fact all too often forgotten by developers. Seriously, the standard of housing in this country is appalling, such a lack of imagination and flair. It would take so little effort for developers to adopt a more interesting and visually appealing template, seeing as they all seem to be working off the same sheet anyway, with no extra cost, just a firm kick up the ass.

While Dunkettle in its present form is less than ideal to cater for the confluence of two major interurban roads, it’s really not that bad, insofar as it is reasonably quick to get through, especially following the installation of trafflic lights and addition of an extra lane. Certainly wouldn’t compare of the horror of the Kinsale Road Roundabout in bygone days. Unfortunately, its location is spatially constrained, and is far too close to the tunnel to allow for the construction of an adequate grade-seperated butterfly interchange, or something similar. Another fine example of the tremendous foresight displayed by the City Council, who would have us driving around the city on a two lane undivided ring road if they had had their way!

@d_d_dallas wrote:

Graham,
it’s a photo!

Really? It’s a reasonable question, that ‘photo’ looks like a still from Shrek or something. But anyway, shaping up better than I had anticipated. As for STW’s Albert Quay attempt (seeing as these buildings tend to be grouped together – proximity?) I think enough has been said. But if not, It’s not very good now is it. As for Hanover Street building, delightful, Cork is full of little gems like this, as much as it is full of crap. If only I can find a bit of time to get out there and take some pics, I’ll let ye in on my faves.

@lexington wrote:

It is quite evident from assessing the form of the extension that its design has been heavily influenced with respect to prominent tree patterns dotted around the library area. The extension essentially weaves between historic tree locations. Finished elevations will be a mix of copper and red-sandstone materials.

I believe the form of the library as it fans out on the Northern elevation is intended to resemble an opening book, with the staggered sections being the pages. Also, the sandstone effect is based on that evident at St. Peter and Paul’s Church, just off Patrick Street. Seeing as the old quarries where this was procured have long since closed, as close an imitation as possible is being shipped from Germany.
Just some useless info…

What I can’t figure out is why the Examiner Offices are protected at all. I mean, they look crap! Seriously, of what significance are they besides their high profile? One of the aspects of the redevelopment that I was looking forward to most was their demolition, and a major redesign of that side of Academy Street…

@who_me wrote:

I’m actually a little surprised it got through, and mostly unscathed at that. I think it’s a stunning development, but it’s very tall, and likely to block views of the church behind it. Methinks there might still be a few groans and whines once people see it go up.

That actually is the one reservation I have about the development, the effect on the view to the church behind.
It mightn’t be an issue looking across from Parnell Place, but further down the quay past the bus station will unfortunately lose part of that lovely view of the ridge. But I’m still optimistic about the development, should be a striking addition to the riverscape, and it is as sensitive a design as I could have hoped for, at least facing the river. Any images of the Lower Glanmire Road persepective?

According to the Examiner yesterday, Paul Kenny’s Patrick’s Quay development has been greenlit by an Bord Pleanála. Surprised there’s been no reaction here…Opinions??

@A-ha wrote:

Just because it’s tall doesn’t mean it should be given “landmark” status, especially if you’re suggesting that the design is crap. Everyone in Ireland must have some belief that if a building is tall, then it’s a landmark that everyone should love. But it isn’t the case and I’d prefer to have a beautifully designed bungalow as a landmark rather than a 100 storey pile of rubble. And I agree jungle, green space is good in a city like Cork. The city is turning into suburb after suburb and it’s only in a few years down the line that we’ll realise how lucky we are to have wide open spaces in our city centre.

Good or bad design. a tall building is a landmark, either way: its going to stand out. But of course, better good than bad.