Design Proposals

Speculative / Conceptual Proposal for Mixed Use Waterfront CBD + Associated Feature Buildings (2024)

Proposed Mixed Use Waterfront CBD for Alexandra Basin, Dublin Port + Signature Buildings (2/2/2024)

Backround to Proposal

Outline Proposals for a Retail Destination – ‘Dublin Dome’, and a Landmark ‘Round Tower’ building, were published from 2017-2019, followed by contextual sketches in 2020 suggesting a Potential location in Alexandra Basin. A more refined drawing was produced in 2024 to illustrate the Round Tower and Dublin Dome proposals in a Potential Waterfront context and to suggest my personal view of the Hypothetical Potential for Alexandra Basin. The Masterplan Proposal is influenced by frequent previous visits to Marina Bay, Singapore. Alexandra Basin is a similar opportunity in my opinion with opportunity for a sense of enclosure arising from the pre existing shape of Alexandra Basin. Luas , Rail lines and Port Tunnel link to Airport are in situ nearby. River taxis might be introduced to link with City and coastal suburbs.

Feature Buildings are generally envisaged for the Waterfront so as not to be obscured by later development. Also suggested is a tall building referencing a Ship, some Irish themed visitor attractions, a high tech glazed enclosure to service docks, a Transport hub opposite the Port entrance, a lookout attraction, and an Arc of buildings perhaps in the 15 – 25 storey range (Office, International Hotels and Residential). The Area might include a number of large waterfront nightclubs to cater for demand for a ‘late night economy’. Public Transport connectivity would be primarily provided by people moving system but with limited access for bus , coach and taxi. There is a podium suggested over the existing RoRo facility. The CBD is envisaged as a Potential Subsequent Development to the Proposed Flour Mill Masterplan. The Axonometric Drawing illustrating the Proposal is somewhat diagrammatic and indicative, and for legibility purposes does not illustrate the likely maximum Development Density.

The Office buildings envisaged within this Masterplan proposal are intended to address requirements of major PLCs looking for EMEA HQs or a Brexit base. Ideally the ‘Round Tower Building’, should it be developed, would be largely occupied by Leading Irish companies. The proposed location within Alexandra Basin may be more suitable for a concentrated array of tall buildings and might help avert the sporadic spread of tall buildings within Dublin City core.

Large scale development of Alexandra Basin is not a new idea. The proposed development for this section of Dublin Port expands upon Options 4 and 5 of a DCC document published in 2007 – ‘A Vision for Dublin Bay’ where Minor relocation of Dublin Port was suggested. The Masterplan as Illustrated above, conceptualises and defines a number of specific Anchor Buildings / Economic Catalysts for this Location which I believe, along with the Proposed Flour Mill Masterplan, would strengthen the case for the viability of a Vibrant Mixed Use Waterfront CBD.

Residential / Housing Component of the Masterplan

Housing Precincts are proposed to the North and East of the Waterfront Zone, with the Waterfront itself being reserved for commercial and showcase development . Should Alexandra Basin be developed in such a manner, due to Housing supply issues, it may necessary to prioritise Residential zones for progression in advance of much of the Waterfront itself. Housing to North is not shown in detail but is envisaged as 8-12 storey Blocks.

Ai Interpretations & Enhancements of Previous Conceptual Drawings from 2017-2024

Illustrative Drawings + Conceptual Sketches for Potential CBD (2018-2024)

Geotechnical Viability Considerations

A number of Feature Buildings are envisaged to be 30 – 40 storeys. The viability of these more ‘Iconic’ Buildings is subject to Geotechnical Engineering analysis & investigation. Estimated depth to the Lucan / Calp Bedrock is likely to be 25-30 metres in places. Deep Piling is standard practice for Tall buildings – One Canada Square at Canary Wharf piling = 25m deep. Tower 185 Frankfurt = 55 Storeys & 200m tall with Foundations comprising as follows : 11.5 m Excavation depth (2 Storey Basement over Piled Raft foundation). Raft Depth circa 3.5-4m with a further 50m of Piling through Sand/Gravel , Frankfurt Clay & thin bedded Limestone. Refer to URL Links below

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265059176_Innovative_foundation_systems_for_high-rise_buildings

https://grandprojets.com/port-cbd-geotechnical/

Dedicated Websites : Links

This is an Independent Proposal and not an officially commissioned Masterplan. All Proposals, Concepts, Layouts and Data displayed on this Website are Purely Speculative, Academic and Conceptual Design Proposals unless stated otherwise. They do not represent Active Development Projects or Planning Applications or Official Public Consultations. All Intellectual Property on this Website is the sole property of the creator unless stated otherwise.

A Detailed Exploratory / Preliminary Ai Evaluation of Potential Net GDP Benefit is Contained at following Link

https://grandprojets.com/port-cbd-ai-evaluation/