Located in Dublin, Ireland, Grand Canal Square – Dublin Docklands was designed by Martha Schwartz Partners. Grand Canal Square rolls out the red carpet to the world as the centerpiece of the Dublin Docklands’ emblematic revitalization. Completed in June 2007, the square fronts on the Grand Canal basin in front of the new Cultural Arts Performance Centre designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind.
In keeping with its ‘celebrity’ setting, a red ‘carpet’ rolls into the square, spilling the magic of the theatre into the public space and down to the water’s edge. This carpet is made from bright red resin-glass paving that reflects and captures light during the day. Eight-meter high, red ‘pick-up stick’ light poles stand on the carpet at various angles providing dramatic light at night.
Redevelopment of Grand Canal Square has created a new address for the site and for Dublin. It is a destination for communal celebrations and has visibly raised the bar for what can be done by other designers and developers in terms of urban regeneration for the city. The City’s new 24/7 square accurately interprets and exemplifies Dublin’s optimistic metropolitan energy.
Grand Canal Square - Dublin Docklands Design by Martha Schwartz Partners
Grand Canal Square - Dublin Docklands Design Exterior 1
Grand Canal Square - Dublin Docklands Design Exterior 2