1. Concept
A polychromatic metal aerofoil roof shelters a proverbial "pot of gold"
(knowledge, elucidation, social well-being...) Like a sail or airplane
wing, the dynamic roof echoes vestiges of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown's
progressive industrial past:
water-rail-air
2. SiteThe building occupies
only half the site, allowing public access to the adjacent green. The
multihued roof shelters a large outdoor "room" engaged by musicians,
visitors and locals. A ramp slopes over the pond and provides a stage
for the community amphitheatre, pointing true north like the gnomon of
a giant sundial. Cafeteria and multicultural program areas of the
building enjoy outdoor seating by the green. The historic Dun-Laoghaire
clock mechanism transparently powers a new dial on the building face
while the penduli of the glazed elevators are revealed also.
3. FunctionThe grand accessible
ramp system connects the art gallery on the ground level to display
areas up above and serves as a social condenser. The central core is
the fulcrum that balances the tensioned sail roof and contains all
services (washrooms, kitchens, mechanical.) Visiting artists enjoy
double height studios on the ground floor, conducive to their works.
Music rooms are located mid-height, their roll-top doors allowing for
open air serenading.
The children’s space is located securely beside administration, under
the brightly coloured ceiling. A fun place, kids can read while
swinging in tire swings and peeping out round windows. Bright reading
areas line the perimeter.
4. Planning
The 8.5 m wide structural grid is the ideal library module of
1.7 m (1.1 m corridor, 300 mm shelves either side) and allows for an
efficient parking layout underground.
Books flow logically from loading docks to shelf and are sheltered from the sun's damaging rays.
5. Green Features
The fluted segments of the rainbow roof harness wind energy to power generators and ventilation
systems, whistling like a distant train or a pan flute.
The polished concrete floors act as light shelves, bouncing sunlight deep into the
interior. Their thermal mass reemits heat energy
throughout the building at night. Perimeter glazing is operable to allow in fresh breezes.
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