U2 Tower | 301
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Type
Competition
Year
2003
Client
Competition
The tower is more than a landmark building, it is a symbol for the regeneration of the docklands and its wider regions, and it is a touchstone for the historic role the docks have played in the formation of Dublin City. We imagine the development of a tower at the junction of the Liffey and Grand Union Canal as mixture of commercial, leisure and residential uses. The tower element of the building is allowed to twist and create a compositional tension between the horizontal and the vertical elements. Above the tower the upper most section ( a recording studio) physically rotates to follow the path of the sun. The tower is considered as a virtual dock, a place of intense activity and life. A place to work, a place to rest by and a place to live in. The facade materials with capture the memory of the the historical docks through printed techniques over the building’s facade materials. The relationship to the water and the play of light of the buildings facade will afford the building an effervescent quality. The proposed construction will incorporate recycled materials where ever possible, the construction materials and design will be an exemplary solution to the building type. Building tall as a recognition of conservation and sensible use of resources, especially land efficiency and sensitively.
The construction of the whole is divided into three main component uses each separated and buffered by a ‘soft’ zone.
The ground floor public space provides ‘anchoring’ leisure type facilities to the both the tower and the surrounding regenerated areas through a permeable dock side cafe and bar.
SOFT ZONE
First and second floor open plan flexible commercial space.
SOFT ZONE
A public deck separates the commercial and residential tower elements.
A quality restaurant and open air cafe with screened garden, river and canal side views offer respite and sustenance. A place to relax and enjoy life.
SOFT ZONE
Twelve floors of varying size apartments around a central core each with privileged views of Dublin City and the Liffey. We imagine living by the Liffey in apartments of generous size with high ceilings and panoramic views from glazed facades and external terraces.
SOFT ZONE
Roof top terrace for sole use of the recording studio occupants.
SOFT ZONE
U2 recording studio rotates beacon like on the top of the tower. It is set back on all four sides from the main parapet height.
Drawings
