Grand Canal

Studio Daniel Libeskind, Switzerland

Libeskind’s Thinking

Of his evolution in thought over the years, Libeskind remarks, “I would not say my philosophy has changed, but developments in technology, politics, culture, and personal experience all contribute to your new perspectives. I am actively engaged in the design of buildings that are capable of transmitting, in an exciting and innovative manner, historical and cultural material to a contemporary audience using the latest in twenty-first century technology.” 

It’s an exciting future, and Libeskind hopes to continue to create more exciting spaces. “I think there is a Renaissance in architecture today. More people are interested in architecture and its cultural value, especially with respect to sustainable and ecological issues, creating a higher standard for the field. The public’s heightened sense of awareness and involvement is a benefit to us all,” he notes. When more people are passionate about architecture, then it can be better realized and better enjoyed. Libeskind’s work, too, has inspired future generations to embrace architecture. And that is a beautiful thing.

The Grand Canal Square Theater and Commercial Development in Dublin: Making an Entrance 

Libeskind has a knack for creating dramatic spaces, so when he won the competition for designing a cultural center to anchor the redeveloped Dublin Harbor in 2003, he extended the concept of theater well beyond the building, fashioning many stages that build to a peak. For instance, the urban waterfront piazza that creates a grand entrance is a stage itself, framed by a five-star hotel and residences on one side and an office building on the other. From its rooftop terrace, one has a commanding view of the sparkling Dublin Harbor. The 10 870-square-meter theater is a dramatic backdrop and viewing platform for the outdoor piazza stage, which can host gatherings and other public events. The multi-level lobby rises above the plaza, setting another stage that’s illuminated at night and leads to the theater, the most grand of all stages. With 2 100 seats, it can showcase musical productions ranging from amplified shows to operas and ballets. 

Connecting the Liffey quayside and the Grand Canal Square, the development also includes 34 839 square meters of leasable, sustainable office and retail space. Their twin façades boast glazed multi-story atriums and landscaped roofs, and provide state-of-the-art work spaces. The theater, which is the centerpiece, is constructed from reinforced concrete and steel, with stainless steel rain screen panels that feature strips of high-performance glazing. The curtain wall also has high-performance glass and exposed polyester, powder-coated, pre-fabricated steel box sections. When the theater opened in 2010, ADL won the Real Estate Award (REA) “Best European Scheme” and the 2010 Trophy Award of Saint-Gobain Gyproc in “Innovation” for its work.

Libeskind’s vision with this project was to construct “a powerful cultural presence expressed in dynamic volumes and sculpted to project a fluid and transparent public dialogue with the cultural, commercial, and residential surroundings, whilst communicating the various inner forces intrinsic to the theater. This composition creates an icon that mirrors the joy and drama emblematic of Dublin itself.”  

The design team at ADL realizes Libeskind’s visions by using the Vectorworks® Architect software in both their design development and construction document phases. 

Originally appeared in Modus News 1