We've wanted to shoot in Elm Park for some time and, given our recent interest in the vacancy of new developments in Dublin, now seemed like a good opportunity... that and the fact that the blue sky had us thinking it was nice and balmy outside. How wrong we were... Hand-purpling wind aside, the landscaping in this project is very well considered and by raising the structure of the buildings in places, helps to create a seamless urban park of sorts.
Designed by the Irish architecture firm Bucholz McEvoy and completed in 2008, this project was imagined by the architects as what they call a 'mini city'. The original scheme was to include a restaurant, a leisure centre complete with a swimming pool, 300 residential units, a conference centre and a hotel and over 30,000 sqm of office space. In 2013, apart from some office space which is occupied by an insurance company, the successful senior citzens county council housing and a sparsely occupied residential block, much of this development lies vacant.
One article we read by architect Raymund Ryan, written at the completion of the project, suggests that 'Elmpark is a provocative act of Celtic Tiger entrepreneurship...an urban experiment, a thesis for how Ireland might continue to develop in this new globalised country'. Well indeed it might be... but I have a feeling we'll be waiting a while to reap the benefits of this experiment.
black suede sleeve blazer - To To boutique tailors, Vietnam
mustard yellow suede peplum - Bondi Junction, Sydney
patterned jeans - h&m
cuff rings - asos
black side patch top - ZARA
leather effect leggings - Topshop
black ankle platform wedges - Sam Edelmen
watch - NIXON
If you're looking for somewhere to park, The Point Village District Centre has plenty of spaces going.
The Scott Tallon Walker project for developer Harry Crosbie was completed in 2011 and, despite not having secured any tenants for the 10,000 sqm of shopping and office space, the building opened in March 2012. A cinema on the top floor is reached by passing through 3 floors of empty retail space... not ideal if you're coming out of the newest thriller at midnight.
The aim of the project was to create a new public square, bounded by the shopping centre, a leisure centre, a terminus for the red Luas line, and a landmark 130m high residential tower. Needless to say, the tower and leisure centre did not go ahead and it leaves us wondering, who exactly this building is benefitting?
Despite all of this, we had to appreciate the effort put in to boarding up the shops and the fact that you can run around the whole building without any security guards disturbing you.
striped sheer shirt - penneys
leather shorts - zara
buckle boots - zara
earrings - topshop
gold initial ring - Chupi
sheer panel crop top - asos
disco pants - american apparel
ankle boots - zara
lipstick - topshop
gold watch - NIXON
