Four Courts

Project Proposition

The Four Courts is one of Irelands finest examples of Georgian Architecture but access to the Public is limited due to its function.

I propose Roofing the Courtyards using 2 identical Structures to create new Semi Public / Public Spaces. This proposal would enhance and compliment the Four Courts whilst providing exciting and sophisticated Civic Space for Dublin City. These 'Urban Living Rooms' would be multi functional meeting places and allow for Exibits, Performances, Public Lectures, Conferences, Social Events, Dining etc.

The new Spaces could be accessed separately via installation of new Glazed Booths within the Gates. Some functions might be integrated into the Four Courts daytime activities.If in due course the Four Courts Buildings were to be transformed into a National Museum then the addition of these Courtyard Spaces would greatly enhance such a Proposition.

The Existing Trees on Inns Quay should be removed to fully reveal the Building to the City and a New Viewing Plaza possible incorporating a Bridge Link/s is proposed opposite the Four Courts on Merchants Quay so as to allow for Improved viewing of the Building.

This Plaza would be classical in Layout in order to Harmonise with the Four Courts. This Space would also create a Buffer Zone for the Public against Heavy Quayside Traffic. 2 links bridges would result in Optimum Vantage Points for viewing the Architecture of the Four Courts. The Proposed 2 Storey Courtyards are barely visible from these Vantage Points. Proposed Plan of Plaza and Bridges is Indicative and a ''First Take''.

Architectural Intervention in the form of 2 identical Hyperboloid Structures. This proposal Fully encloses the Courtyards but is more Visible on Approach from Inns and Merchant Quays. It is Potentially a more spectacular Duo of Civic Spaces when experienced both Internally and Externally but with Less Flexibility in terms of Floor Plate Usage. Public Plaza , New Bridge Approach also proposed for this Scheme. Possible Alternative to a New Permanent Plaza on Merchants Quay would be to Place a Moored Viewing Platform in the River Liffey