Photographs and illustrations are courtesy of Studio Daniel Libeskind

Designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind, the Grand Canal Square Theatre and Commercial Development in Dublin features a 2,000-seat performing arts centre which is integrated into a commercial area via two office blocks that include 375,000-squarefoot of leasable office and retail space. This is located at the heart of the Grand Canal Harbour development and creates a focal point for Grand Canal Square.

The 117,000-square-foot Grand Canal Square Theatre is at the heart of the Grand Canal Harbour development. While built next to a new large public piazza facing the the waterfront, the diamond shape strengthens the Theatre’s identity and helps it in becoming the focal point of the whole development.

The building is based on the concept of stages — the stage of the theatre itself, the stage of the piazza, and the stage of the theatre lobby above the piazza, illuminated at night. The theatre becomes the main façade of the piazza that has a five star hotel and residences on one side and an office building on the other. The piazza acts as a grand outdoor lobby for the theatre. With the dramatic theatre elevation as a backdrop and platforms for viewing, the piazza itself becomes a stage for civic gathering.
As explained by Daniel Libeskind : “Dublin has always been one of my favorite cities to visit. When designing the new Grand Canal Square Theatre, I not only wanted to create something that would reflect Dublin’s energy and life, I wanted to establish a powerful cultural presence within the City. I truly believe that the Grand Canal Square project will become an iconic destination in the Grand Canal Harbour–a magnet for Dubliners and a new destination for working, shopping, living and entertainment. A vibrant community will emerge, offering an experience that mirrors the joy and drama emblematic of Dublin itself.”
With their twin facades, glazed courtyards and landscaped roofs, the two office blocks, which make up the Commercial Development, provide sustainable, state of the art work environments. By designing multi-story glazed atriums, the commercial buildings integrate with the adjacent retail, residential, cultural and public space components.
Project facts and credits

Building Area: 600,750 sq. ft.
Client: Devey Group

Architecture:
Joint Venture Partner: Architekt Daniel Libeskind
Architect of Record: McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects

Project Management: Lafferty Project Management

Structural Engineer: ARUP (Dublin)

Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineer: ARUP

Venue and Acoustic Consultant: ARUP
Facade Consultant: Billings Design Associates
Cladding Consultant Offices and Theater BOH Facade: Permasteelisa Group
Cladding Consultant Theater Stainless-Steel Facade: FOH Curtain
Fire Protection Consultant: Michael Slattery & Associates
Lighting Designer: Pritchard Themis
Steel/Glass: Permasteelisa Central Europe
Health and Safety: Bruce Shaw Partnership
Cost Estimation: Davis Langdon

Main Contractor: Raw Construction John Sisk & Son

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