TOP US architects have been tasked with helping develop a new vision for the Dublin One District, the area squared by Capel Street, Parnell Street West, O’Connell Street and the North Quays.
The renowned American Institute of Architects (AIA), has teamed up with the Dublin City Architects’ Framework Project and DublinTown to create a shared vision for the central Northside district.
The initiative, entitled Reimagine Dublin One, has created a community steering group that will form part of a project to look at the north city’s retail and residential area. It’s the first time that the AIA’s design assistance team programme has conducted a project like this outside North America.
“It is a huge honour to have the Dublin One district chosen as the focal point for this project and whether you live, work or socialise in the area, all stakeholders are being encouraged to get involved to help reimagine the area,” a spokesperson said.
The Reimagine Dublin One programme aims to empower the local community to improve their environment through an open, collaborative and systematic approach.
It will involve the public, policy makers, community and business leaders who together will devise a vision and agree a framework for collective action.
The AIA has chosen Dublin over other international locations because of the huge potential the area possesses.
“We are proud to partner with the city of Dublin and its citizens to reimagine Dublin One,” said Joel Mills Senior Director at AIA.
“We hope to empower the citizens of Dublin to envision a future for Dublin One and begin building that future together.”
CEO of DublinTown, Richard Guiney, said Dublin One was a key district with enormous potential.
“We are delighted the important work begun in Dublin One is being recognised by such a prestigious agency as the AIA,” he added.
“The work they have undertaken in other locations and the results of those endeavours speak for themselves and we are sure the report they will provide for us in Dublin will yield valuable inputs combining both innovative ideas and best international thinking.”
Dublin City Architect, Ali Grehan, also spoke enthusiastically about the project.
“Places often struggle because individuals and organisations are pulling in different directions and design solutions are imposed from above,” she said.
“The AIA design assistance programme brings these diverse people together at the earliest stage to agree the issues, prepare the process and implement lasting design solutions.
“The programme has a proven track record in delivering great outcomes for communities, which is why we’re collaborating with the AIA in introducing the programme to Dublin.”
A team of AIA architects visited Dublin One last week when they engaged with stakeholders and the public to devise a vision document for the area. A public consultation workshop took place in The Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street.
Feedback from the workshop will be crucial in the preparation of the AIA’s ‘Reimagine Dublin One’ final report.