Grand Canal Square

Grand Canal Square is the major public open space in the Dublin Docklands Development area. It is located on Grand Canal in Dublin and forms the focal point of this new development. Facing Grand Canal, it is flanked on its other end by Libeskinds prominent new theater and entertainment building as well as a new hotel to the north and an office development to the south.

In this setting dominated by contemporary architectural expression, a public space has been created that will offer color and dynamism to Dublins open spaces. Keeping with the site’s cultural celebrity setting, the scheme includes a central red carpet that leads from the theater to the canal. A green carpet connects the new hotel and office developments.

The red carpet is paved in a newly-developed, bright red resin-glass material and is completed by red glowing angled lightsticks that mimic the bustle on the red carpet. The green carpet has a calmer expression and offers ample seating on the edges of planters of various heights. The planters, extruded polygons of the green carpet, are planted with marsh vegetation as a reminder of the historic wetland area of the site, and some offer immaculate lawns for lingering and enjoying the spectacular setting. Pushing out of the plaza is a water feature of randomly-stacked green marble that is overflowing with bubbling water.

The square is further criss-crossed by narrow paths that allow for movement across the square in any possible direction while still allowing big activities such as markets or fairs. The new square will be an urban magnet with twenty-four-hour activity and is an accurate interpretation of Dublins energy.