'Dublin's crystal tower' also known as Liberty Hall was completed in 1964 by architect and structural engineer Desmond Rea O'Kelly. It was constructed on the site of the original Liberty Hall which occupied the Northumberland Hotel, a rebel stronghold in the 1916 Easter Rising. The new Liberty Hall was purpose-built as the headquarters for the Irish Transport and General Workers Union (ITGWU now called SIPTU). This sixteen-story high architectural marvel was Ireland's first skyscraper.
Situated on Beresford Place, it holds a prominent location on the riverfront adjacent to Gandon's Customs House. The architect asserted that Liberty Hall's copper roof gave a nod of recognition to its esteemed neighbour. The distinctive roof is cantilevered from the central core and is made up of projecting folded plate slabs that flow in an undulating wave pattern. The underside of the roof is covered in classically modernist coloured tiles. Apparently the colours were chosen by the architect's wife, whom he said "has good taste in these things".
The mosaic tiles were used again, but this time in white on the outside of the building along the edge of each reinforced concrete floor plate. The floor-to-ceiling transparent non-reflective glass panels provided excellent views of the city. The effect of the white tiled floor plates and clear glass stories worked in striking harmony. Unfortunately a car bomb exploded outside the hall in 1972 shattering a large proportion of the tower's glass. Although the glass was replaced, a protective film was applied to all of the windows which diminished the building's former translucency.
The SIPTU union made a planning application for the demolition and erection of a new Liberty Hall in 2011. They hired Gilroy McMahon Architects to design the proposal. The Bord Pleanala rejected the application in November 2012 stating in its conclusion, "It is considered that the site of Liberty Hall is of national historic and social significance and is located at a prominent and sensitive location fronting onto the River Liffey, within the historic city core of Dublin and adjacent to the Custom House, a protected structure of primary importance in the state".
Loved by many but loathed by others, who see its height as incompatible with the classical Georgian fabric of the city and its exterior outdated, Liberty Hall retains its controversial profile to this day. Concrete Collar are jubilant that Liberty Hall was spared the wrecking ball. We see it as an icon of modernist Dublin and would love to see its once public observatory deck (which existed as one of Dublin's most popular attractions in the 1960's) re-open in the not so distant future. The views from this building are unrivalled and should be treasured.
Special thanks to Alsún Keogh for letting us share her wonderful research.
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Becky wears:
black wool coat - Zara
check camisole jumpsuit - Asos
chunky white platforms - ebay
roll neck jumper - Primark
Ciana wears:
trench coat - H&M
long sleeve crop top - Penneys
high waisted crop trousers - Topshop Boutique
white patent bluchers - Zara
sundial cocktail ring - House of Harlow
Describing Architecture is an annual exhibition which explores the representation of architectural ideas. Curated by Alice Clancy and Antóin Doyle, the work of over 50 participants is on display bringing together artists, architects, landscape architects, graduates and students. The diverse body of work from models to photography, film, sculpture, drawings and painting offers visitors an insight into the architectural design process.
This year the exhibition was held in the octagonal room in the Irish Georgian Society, South William Street. The building which is in the most atmospheric state of disrepair is set to be carefully refurbished by the society next year. As vital as we're sure the restoration work is to preserving the building, it would be a shame not to see it in its current state so be sure to pop in the next time you're having a stroll about town.
Careful thought was given to the layout of the exhibition which was reminiscent of many architect's offices or student's workspaces. Display tables resembled architect's studio desks with desk lamps illuminating the work upon them. Bull dog clips fixed photographs, drawings and written descriptions about the works to the crumbling walls.
As a recent graduate architect and an architecture student we know all too well how much time goes in to designing and developing architectural projects which may never be realised and are often seen solely by colleagues, fellow students or examiners. This exhibition offers a platform from which this work can be acknowledged and appreciated. We only wish we didn't have to wait another year for the next one!
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