Yes there were some horrors how do they get away it’s it. One of the ones you liked I agreed. Some architects just have no idea. Happy New Year to all🎉
Many thanks as ever for your reply, always the first and much appreciated. It's amazing how so many horrors are allowed through the planning process and end up blighting a city and its inhabitants for decades. There is one building in Manchester that bears a similarity in colour and external design to Dublin's infamous Apollo House. It's Lowry House, just off Market Street. Season's Greetings to you too. I'm going to be focusing on Manchester and Liverpool for upcoming videos.
I agree with you on the Abbey Street building. The modern building has an interesting geometric design and the fact that it is preserving an older building gives it a noble purpose. The real test will be how this looks 30 years from now. How well does it age? Most buildings look great when they are shiny new in vogue structures. Perhaps the EBS building was looked on as something of great merit when it was built but is now seen as a monstrosity (Richie Hoyt's description was on the money).
Personally I don't mind the EBS Building. I think I am fairly relaxed about architectural styles. I think the commenter is applying very strict rules. Many modern builings don't age well but I think that glass facades often do age well and I think personally the Abbey Street building is going to look great in future not to mention the protected building inside!
@@AidanEyewitness I agree the buildings faced in glass typically age better than those with other materials (like concrete). It's easier to give the building a refresh with modern glazing.
Hi Aidan and thanks for an interesting architectural review. The former EBS building in Westmoreland Street in an interesting one. As I recall, the right-hand glass-walled building was built first, then the left-hand building was added later. For some unfathomable reason, the left-hand building was not finished in reflective glass to match the right-hand one, but instead had the grey marble panels and conventional glazing that remain to the present day. Hence, the opportunity to have the two (almost) symmetrical wings bookending the original facade was lost, which was a great shame.
Yes I think that’s right! It caught my eye as a photographer due to it’s reflective qualities. I’m in Dublin at the moment, I’ll take another look! Many thanks.
I have a lot of commitments, family and online teaching at the moment, but the next one is in preparation and should be ready in the next few days. Many thanks!
I am a linguist, so I make it my business to learn pronunciation. I’m about to launch a new channel about languages, I’ll be mentioning the Irish language.
Behind o Connell bridge house from the angle you film you mentuin Hawkins house another eyesore. Currently being rebuilt. The ESB headquarters I think is another horror but during covid they replaced the facade...or at least built in front of it on the street front in a mockery of the older Georgian style
I really enjoyed your presentation and agreed with most of your choice. To be pedantic, as you give two pronunciation of Bath, you may as well pronounce the Berkleley Library as it was for the man’’s name: Barclay. It is a pity the old airport building is more or less hidden away. As as child, I flew out of there and it was a beautiful, light filled structure.
I wasn’t sure About Berkeley, I looked for a video from TCD and found that they were pronouncing it American style, not like the bank so I used that. Yes, you were lucky to fly from “Collinstown“ in the old days. Travelling to and from Ireland, we always used to take the ferry via Holyhead or Liverpool, except one year, when I flew back with my mother on an Aer Lingus, BAC 1-11. That was my first flight. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated!
@@AidanEyewitness If you asked almost all the students, and the staff, at TCD (where I worked) would also pronounce “Berkeley” in the same way as the American University (Barclay). Anyway, amongst those with 20/20 hindsight, he is now very much out of favour, having been a slave owner etc. Great presentation all the same. I remember the first time I saw Hawkins House (early 70’s) and even I knew it was a monstrosity. I can’t agree about Liberty Hall as I think it is ugly and architectural arrogance.
Really? I remember when it was built in the late seventies - I was studying at TCD. It’s a nice development and has stood the test of time. Many thanks for your comment!
The pomodoro outside the Berkeley Ibrary is where the Moore sculpture behind the Campanile was meant to be but apparently he was so upset by the brutalist architecture he offered it for free if they didn't put it outside the Berkeley entrance
Wow, I did not know that! It just shows how even famous, groundbreaking artists like Henry Moore can disagree about what constitutes good architecture. Modern architecture still produces strong positive and negative reactions. Personally I like the work of Henry Moore and also many examples of Brutalist architecture, like the Berkeley Library, actually much more interesting than the Brutalist Arts Block, where I studied German and French during my time at Trinity College.
No, I haven’t, but I have passed by not far away on the North Strand Road many times. So they were Dublin Corporation flats that were demolished and replaced. I will definitely take a look next time I’m over. Many thanks for the tip!
For the most part I agree with your calls. I'm not sure about the Central Bank/Central Plaza. It was certainly a horror in its original form and the redo is an improvement but it appears to be completely out of scale with its surroundings and best option would probably have had it knocked down. Wow, the former EBS building is a tough one. It's nice to have a little of the original building preserved but it looks rather Frankensteinisch the way it is now. It is a keen demonstration of how architecture degraded in the 20th century. Would have liked to have seen them modernise and preserve the original building.
The original EBS building had balconies, I believe. I think most people would have preferred the original building to have been preserved. I have a feeling that demolishing the Central Bank building and putting up a new building would have been far more expensive than renovating it. It is out of scale but is it really necessary always for buildings to be in scale? I often find myself championing unpopular modern buildings and that seems to be true in this case! It is from the same era as when I was studying at Trinity College Dublin, so maybe I am a bit biased! Many thanks as ever for your thoughtful and insightful comments and sorry about the delay in replying!
Jesus. What a mess. Sorry to disagree but that modernist scraper is horrible. The replacement was nicer. There are some really awful buildings. The Samuel Beckett building is a highlight for sure. I'm increasingly angry at developers 50s to 70s. The refurbishment of that bank has been excellent though I'll admit that.
No need to apologise, I know there are conflicting opinions about Liberty Hall. I have childhood associations with that building and its symbolism. As I often say, there is often sharp disagreement about good and bad in modern architecture. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Totally agree with you Johnny. Developers in that time period had no regard for history or beauty. They just knocked things down and replaced them with buildings that were usually out of scale and character with their surroundings. Still happens today but, fortunately, there is often more sensitivity to surroundings and the buildings often are more visually interesting (like the Abbey Street building). Paris really had it right when they set up La Defense rather than spoil the beauty of the old city.
Thanks for your message. More info in this interesting obituary of Sam Stephenson in the Irish Times www.irishtimes.com/news/a-bold-and-controversial-architect-who-left-his-mark-on-dublin-1.1028028
Yes. I didn't mention that in its final months around Christmas 2018, it was used to house homeless people. I wonder how architects feel when a building they've designed becomes hated and is eventually pulled down?
I remember most of these shop's, memories ☘️❤️
Many thanks for your comment
Yes there were some horrors how do they get away it’s it. One of the ones you liked I agreed. Some architects just have no idea. Happy New Year to all🎉
Many thanks as ever for your reply, always the first and much appreciated. It's amazing how so many horrors are allowed through the planning process and end up blighting a city and its inhabitants for decades. There is one building in Manchester that bears a similarity in colour and external design to Dublin's infamous Apollo House. It's Lowry House, just off Market Street. Season's Greetings to you too. I'm going to be focusing on Manchester and Liverpool for upcoming videos.
I agree with you on the Abbey Street building. The modern building has an interesting geometric design and the fact that it is preserving an older building gives it a noble purpose. The real test will be how this looks 30 years from now. How well does it age? Most buildings look great when they are shiny new in vogue structures. Perhaps the EBS building was looked on as something of great merit when it was built but is now seen as a monstrosity (Richie Hoyt's description was on the money).
Personally I don't mind the EBS Building. I think I am fairly relaxed about architectural styles. I think the commenter is applying very strict rules. Many modern builings don't age well but I think that glass facades often do age well and I think personally the Abbey Street building is going to look great in future not to mention the protected building inside!
@@AidanEyewitness I agree the buildings faced in glass typically age better than those with other materials (like concrete). It's easier to give the building a refresh with modern glazing.
Fitzwilliam Street was/is the longest Georgian street in the world.shamw they ruined it with the esb offices.
Yes, and I am disappointed with the replacement. A missed opportunity.
Hi Aidan and thanks for an interesting architectural review. The former EBS building in Westmoreland Street in an interesting one. As I recall, the right-hand glass-walled building was built first, then the left-hand building was added later. For some unfathomable reason, the left-hand building was not finished in reflective glass to match the right-hand one, but instead had the grey marble panels and conventional glazing that remain to the present day. Hence, the opportunity to have the two (almost) symmetrical wings bookending the original facade was lost, which was a great shame.
Yes I think that’s right! It caught my eye as a photographer due to it’s reflective qualities. I’m in Dublin at the moment, I’ll take another look! Many thanks.
Dying for the next Stockport or Manchester instalment Aidan :)
I have a lot of commitments, family and online teaching at the moment, but the next one is in preparation and should be ready in the next few days. Many thanks!
Great video and I'm highly impressed with your Irish pronunciations!
I am a linguist, so I make it my business to learn pronunciation. I’m about to launch a new channel about languages, I’ll be mentioning the Irish language.
I agree ..the new ESB building looks crap..
Yes it would have been much more satisfying and exciting to reconstruct the Georgian facades that were destroyed.
Behind o Connell bridge house from the angle you film you mentuin Hawkins house another eyesore. Currently being rebuilt. The ESB headquarters I think is another horror but during covid they replaced the facade...or at least built in front of it on the street front in a mockery of the older Georgian style
Yes, I’ve photographed Hawkins House. Now the new development is well advanced.
I really enjoyed your presentation and agreed with most of your choice. To be pedantic, as you give two pronunciation of Bath, you may as well pronounce the Berkleley
Library as it was for the man’’s name: Barclay. It is a pity the old airport building is more or less hidden away. As as child, I flew out of there and it was a beautiful, light filled structure.
I wasn’t sure About Berkeley, I looked for a video from TCD and found that they were pronouncing it American style, not like the bank so I used that. Yes, you were lucky to fly from “Collinstown“ in the old days. Travelling to and from Ireland, we always used to take the ferry via Holyhead or Liverpool, except one year, when I flew back with my mother on an Aer Lingus, BAC 1-11. That was my first flight. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated!
@@AidanEyewitness If you asked almost all the students, and the staff, at TCD (where I worked) would also pronounce “Berkeley” in the same way as the American University (Barclay). Anyway, amongst those with 20/20 hindsight, he is now very much out of favour, having been a slave owner etc. Great presentation all the same. I remember the first time I saw Hawkins House (early 70’s) and even I knew it was a monstrosity. I can’t agree about Liberty Hall as I think it is ugly and architectural arrogance.
the Irish Life Centre, is a probably my favorite building in the country
Really? I remember when it was built in the late seventies - I was studying at TCD. It’s a nice development and has stood the test of time. Many thanks for your comment!
The pomodoro outside the Berkeley
Ibrary is where the Moore sculpture behind the Campanile was meant to be but apparently he was so upset by the brutalist architecture he offered it for free if they didn't put it outside the Berkeley entrance
Wow, I did not know that! It just shows how even famous, groundbreaking artists like Henry Moore can disagree about what constitutes good architecture. Modern architecture still produces strong positive and negative reactions. Personally I like the work of Henry Moore and also many examples of Brutalist architecture, like the Berkeley Library, actually much more interesting than the Brutalist Arts Block, where I studied German and French during my time at Trinity College.
Fabulous Shares New Friend🫶💎💗✨🦋💠🫶💎✨🦋
Thank you.
Have you ever seen croke villas in dublin you would like there design 🎉
No, I haven’t, but I have passed by not far away on the North Strand Road many times. So they were Dublin Corporation flats that were demolished and replaced. I will definitely take a look next time I’m over. Many thanks for the tip!
@@AidanEyewitness you should make a video on croke villas🎉😂❤
@@xcalum_mcnal21x46 I will definitely find out more. Thanks again for the suggestion.
@@AidanEyewitnessnp
For the most part I agree with your calls. I'm not sure about the Central Bank/Central Plaza. It was certainly a horror in its original form and the redo is an improvement but it appears to be completely out of scale with its surroundings and best option would probably have had it knocked down. Wow, the former EBS building is a tough one. It's nice to have a little of the original building preserved but it looks rather Frankensteinisch the way it is now. It is a keen demonstration of how architecture degraded in the 20th century. Would have liked to have seen them modernise and preserve the original building.
The original EBS building had balconies, I believe. I think most people would have preferred the original building to have been preserved. I have a feeling that demolishing the Central Bank building and putting up a new building would have been far more expensive than renovating it. It is out of scale but is it really necessary always for buildings to be in scale? I often find myself championing unpopular modern buildings and that seems to be true in this case! It is from the same era as when I was studying at Trinity College Dublin, so maybe I am a bit biased! Many thanks as ever for your thoughtful and insightful comments and sorry about the delay in replying!
Jesus. What a mess. Sorry to disagree but that modernist scraper is horrible. The replacement was nicer. There are some really awful buildings. The Samuel Beckett building is a highlight for sure. I'm increasingly angry at developers 50s to 70s. The refurbishment of that bank has been excellent though I'll admit that.
No need to apologise, I know there are conflicting opinions about Liberty Hall. I have childhood associations with that building and its symbolism. As I often say, there is often sharp disagreement about good and bad in modern architecture. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
@AidanEyewitness I fully respect your view. I too have attachments to buildings from my youth that some may not love. Great video.
@@JohnnyZenith As a child I loved Piccadilly Plaza and still do. Lots of people don't like it!
Totally agree with you Johnny. Developers in that time period had no regard for history or beauty. They just knocked things down and replaced them with buildings that were usually out of scale and character with their surroundings. Still happens today but, fortunately, there is often more sensitivity to surroundings and the buildings often are more visually interesting (like the Abbey Street building). Paris really had it right when they set up La Defense rather than spoil the beauty of the old city.
I hope Sam Stevenson done no more architecture 😂
Thanks for your message. More info in this interesting obituary of Sam Stephenson in the Irish Times www.irishtimes.com/news/a-bold-and-controversial-architect-who-left-his-mark-on-dublin-1.1028028
Glad to see Apollo House demolished. Truly is a horror typical of its era.
Yes. I didn't mention that in its final months around Christmas 2018, it was used to house homeless people. I wonder how architects feel when a building they've designed becomes hated and is eventually pulled down?
Dublin looks a mess.
Can you say a bit more? Where and in what way?