Dublin Docklands

Guiding the transformation of Dublin’s Docklands to create a series of new urban quarters for the city

Urban Initiatives was commissioned to prepare urban design frameworks for both the Grand Canal and Custom House Docks to form the basis of planning schemes and area action plans for the former Dublin Docklands.

The framework promoted the creation of north-south and east-west activity spines with a major public space at their junction at the Grand Canal Docks. The frameworks were supported by architectural and public realm design codes to guide development and promote a high quality waterfront for the city.

This strategy has informed the location and setting of Daniel Liebeskind’s theatre in the Dublin Grand Canal Dock area and Kevin Roche’s Conference Centre on the north side, now linked by Calatrava’s bridge.

Through the delivery stage Urban Initiatives provided regular reviews of proposals, critique development form, massing, densities and mix of uses. Many of the sites have now been built and both places form part of the public life of both Dubliners and visitors to the city.