DUBLIN ARCHITECTURE – 150+ buildings since 1990

by Seán Antóin Ó Muirí

ISBN 978 0948037 580   320pp (hardback)   24 x 17 cm 

This book on Dublin’s architecture attempts to cover two decades of work (1990-2010) by many of Ireland’s best architects, as well as a selection of work by highly regarded international studios. Presented here is a variety of building, infrastructural and urban space typologies, including schools, cinemas, community centres, galleries, stadia, housing, private houses, bridges, public parks, sports centres and office blocks. Each project is accompanied by relevant photographs, drawings and a short text to explain the principle design idea of each scheme, thus giving the reader a deeper understanding of the projects on visiting them. What this book clearly illustrates is a consorted effort by a small group of Irish architects to make good and meaningful work. It is at times not obvious, often downplayed or hidden away, but it is identifiably Irish. Generally there is a modesty in Irish architecture, a restraint in form and detail, but the projects illustrated in this book have made a significant positive contribution to the way the people of Dublin and tourists alike use and perceive the city. This book is an attempt to celebrate the creativity and dedication of architects, clients, builders, engineers and planners to realise projects of true merit, projects where design, context and identity are the overriding motives.