Courtyards at the 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 Courtyard Gates. Some functions might be integrated into the Four Courts daytime activities.If in due course the Four Courts were to be transformed into a Museum then the addition of these Courtyard Spaces would greatly enhance such a Proposition. The Courts Service could move to a New Fit for Purpose Masterplanned Campus to the Immediate North East or South of the Four Courts ( Dublin Fruit Market / Merchants Quay Area )

There is Potential for an Enlarged National Museum with capacity for a Larger range of Exibits in a less cluttered layout. With the Addition of these Court Spaces and alongside other Architectural Interventions including a new Public Realm directly opposite on Merchants Quay the Four Courts Complex could in time become a World Class Museum Attraction comparable with those of London Paris Madrid etc. In such a scenario Admission Fees would be justifiable creating long term Tourist Revenue. Admission Fees might be tapered for Irish Citizens ( Initial visit charged with subsequent visits charged at Nominal Annual Fee )

The Existing Trees on Inns Quay should be removed to fully reveal the Building to the City and a New Viewing Plaza/s possibly 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. The Undulating Shape of the Plaza/s in Plan reflects that of the Proposed Structures to the Courtyards. They also create a Buffer Zone for the Public - a viewing area removed from exisiting Quayside Vehicular Traffic.

The Plazas and Pedestrian bridges would result in Optimum Vantage Points for viewing the Architecture of the Four Courts. The Proposed 2 Storey Structures enclosing the Courtyards have a Modest Visual Impact from these Vantage Points - Sufficient to be Noteworthy as Interventions but without Detracting from the Overall Building. The Proposed Plaza and Bridge Links to Merchants Quay are somewhat Indicative - intended to be Classical and Minimalistic.

Proposal opens up Opportunity for Broader Urban Regeneration including new Urban Quarter between Merchants Quay and Cook St. ( Relocated Courts Service / Enlarged Multi Storey School / High Quality Affordable Residential ). Also Creates Potential for several new Urban Vistas / Links to Four Courts, Existing Churches and Civic Offices. A Tunnel to take Traffic underneath a Section of Inns Quay could be considered when Planning Long Term. This would allow for a Public Plaza between the Four Courts and the Liffey Bridges.