National Children's Science Centre Planning Report - Dublin City Council

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S SCIENCE CENTRE
EARLSFORT TERRACE, DUBLIN 2
PLANNING REPORT
CONTENTS
1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Project Team
3.0 Project Description
4.0 Site Context
4.1 Dublin City Development Plan & Zoning
4.2 Protected Structures
4.3 Zone of archaeological Potential
4.4 Public Transport, Parking Areas & Environmental Designations
4.5 Design Considerations
4.6 Environmental Considerations
5.0 History of Proposed Development Site
5.1 Overview of the National Concert Hall complex
5.2 Historical Significance
6.0 Architectural Design Statement
6.1 Design Approach
6.2 Conservation, Restoration and Renovation
6.3 New Building

Proposed West Elevation and part section through West Elevation
6.4 Massing
6.5 Materials
6.6 Scale and Proportion Materials
6.7 Public Realm
6.8 Universal Access
6.9 Services Strategy
7.0 Surrounding Views
8.0 Selection of General Arrangement Drawings & Schedule of Accommodation
Planning Report - National Children’s Science Centre Office of Public Works- Architectural Services
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed new National Children's Science Centre will be located in the existing North
wing of Earlsfort Terrace Complex and a new extension overlooking Iveagh Gardens. The
North wing has been mainly unoccupied since 2007 when UCD finally vacated this part of the
complex adjacent to the National Concert Hall.
We peeled back the layers of history of this site in order to understand the character of the
place. We did site investigations, measured and recorded the existing buildings, checked site
levels, thresholds, entry points and views to and from the site. We analysed the Brief of the
National Children’s Science Centre to interpret its aspirations and to find possibilities to
support their national ambitions.
The National Children’s Science centre will have over 200 scientific exhibits, interactive
science spaces and demonstration areas, as well as a lecture and planetarium space. These
facilities will actively interact with science in schools, scientific organisations and related
technological groups. As a result science will take its place as part of the cultural landscape
of Ireland.
Our proposals reveal and explore the latencies of this site and its building and landscape
history. We have given thought to how these latencies can be woven into our design
proposals. We incorporate the grammar and syntax of what presently exists so as to make a
design proposal that enriches the present while honouring the past. The design acts as a
response to site and brief, and is not just a design statement for a national institution. There is
a new conversation with the old building and a re-connection with an interrupted dialogue with
Iveagh Gardens. Historic rooms and contemporary volumes combine with light and
landscape to once again unite Iveagh Gardens with its adjacent buildings. The opportunity to
link and lead an urban design strategy between Harcourt Street/ Clonmel Place, through
Iveagh Gardens, to Earlsfort Terrace has been grasped. The architectural and landscape
proposals have the ability to choreograph new distinct urban experiences.
The design imagines and allows for a future when the NCH will further develop and reclaim
its relationship with Iveagh Gardens.
There will be opportunities for synergies between the National Concert Hall and the National
Children’s Science Centre through mutual co-operation and sharing of facilities as both
organisations see fit.
Visually, the new building will be visible from a small number of adjacent locations. It will not
overpower its neighbours but rather act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Earlsfort View of the new proposed entrance and north elevation of the new
Terrace quarter and the reinvigorating of Iveagh Gardens. proposed extension
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Physically the new building will assert its presence onto Iveagh Gardens by re-imaging the
‘principal terrace’ of the historical Exhibition Building. This colonnaded space will be
animated by diners and exhibition visitors seated on a new terrace and transformed by the
potential to make a more unified cohesive public realm bringing all the disparate elements
together as a more legible and pleasurable civic experience than exists at present. The
ambition is to make a landscape and urban realm that is durable and diverse, one which is
capable of maturing and wearing well over time, while simultaneously providing a canvas to
accommodate a diversity of uses for the new Earlsfort Terrace Quarter.
I would like to acknowledge the in-depth interaction with the Board of The National Children’s
Science Centre, led by Dr. Danny O’Hare, and the support of other National and State
Agencies in developing this proposal. The OPW’s Architectural Team for this project have
knowledge and experience of similar sensitive sites. They have won over 25 awards over the
last 20 years for new buildings, landscape design and restoration including the 2005
European Union Medal for Cultural Heritage, the 1996 Europa Nostra Medal, the Ford
Foundation Conservation Award, the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Triennial Medal
for Restoration and new build, and various other national awards.
This report has been written in association with Commissioners John Mc Mahon, John
Sydenham and Chairman Clare McGrath of The Office of Public Works.
Ciaran O’Connor FRIAI

State Architect
The Office of Public Works
February 2016
SECTION 2: PROJECT TEAM
Client : The Office of Public Works and the Board of

National Children’s Science Centre /
Exploration Station
Architects: The Office of Public Works,

Architectural Services OPW Headquarters, Trim.
Conservation Architects: OPW Architectural Services and Blackwood

Associates Architects and Building
Conservation Consultants
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: The Office of Public Works,

M&E OPW Headquarters, Trim.
Civil & Structural Engineers: Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd
Traffic Management Consultants: DBFL Consulting Engineers and Transportation

Planners
Ecological Consultants: Scott Cawley
Archaeologists: Linzi Simpson Archaeology
Arboriculturist: Arborist Associates Ltd.
SECTION 3: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The National Children's Science Centre, will provide a world class interactive science centre
in Dublin city where people of all ages can explore science, technology, engineering and
maths. The brief was developed by The Board of the National Children’s Science Centre -
Exploration Station and the OPW. The building design allows flexibility for the changing
nature of the exhibits over time and takes into consideration possible future changes in
technology where possible while encompassing wider issues such as sustainability, life cycle
costing and universal access. The proposal aims to provide the optimum and most effective
design required to create a comfortable and pleasant environment for the display of
interactive science exhibits yet in the context of the protected structure. The design complies
with OPW sustainability policy and OPW Design standards. The building is a quality
contemporary extension of high architectural and urban design quality, that will make a
meaningful contribution to the existing protected structure and serve to enhance it and not
detract from it while reinstating links into the Iveagh Gardens.
The development, as described within the Site & Newspaper Notice, will consist of the
refurbishment and restoration of the existing north and part of the east wing of the existing
National Concert Hall and the Real Tennis building and the construction of a new four storey
over basement extension with a planetarium dome to the west of the north wing at the
boundary of the Iveagh Gardens. The development includes the change of use from the
former UCD School of Civil Engineering to the National Children’s Science Centre. The total
floor area of the development is approx. 9580sqm. The National Concert Hall, Real Tennis
Building and Iveagh Gardens are designated Protected Structures (References RPS 2425,
2426 and 7791).
In order to facilitate the new extension, the following demolitions are required; the existing
450sqm two storey stone building which houses a workshop and plant area and ancillary
items and a 102sqm maintenance shed located in the north western corner of the site. A
section of the boundary wall along the Iveagh Gardens is also to be demolished, allowing for
a new access ramp and steps into the Iveagh Gardens. Within the Real Tennis building the
demolition of a 140sqm modern internal mezzanine level to facilitate space for temporary
displays and the demolition and reconstruction of the existing 200sqm single storey section of
structure to the south side of the real tennis court are required to enable universal access to
the building.
The Real Tennis building will be refurbished and restored including the tennis court, stairwell
and ancillary spaces. New works will include lobby, toilets, tea station, stairs, lift and ancillary
works. Existing windows and roof lights are to be restored and upgraded and the new works
will include all other minor/repair works. The construction of a new underground link tunnel
with a single storey glazed box roof light will connect the Real Tennis to the north east corner
of the National Concert Hall building.
The refurbishment and restoration works to the north and east wings of the former UCD
School of Civil Engineering building will include a new entrance to the existing north wing,
new fire doors to corridors, new lift core to link all levels and permanent interactive display
spaces from basement to second floor, a gift shop, lecture theatre, science demonstration
laboratory, classrooms, schools lunch area, offices, new sanitary facilities and additional
ancillary accommodation. Refurbishment work will also include the restoration of existing
external and internal windows and doors, upgrading of the existing roof and roof lights and all
minor/repair work. All existing plant to be removed from roof and replaced with new plant to
be located on both the existing and new roof extension. The new extension will connect to the
existing building through a glazed link and will include interactive display spaces, a domed
planetarium, an external balcony, café with kitchen, circulation cores and ancillary spaces.
Additional plant, toilets and support accommodation will be housed in the basement.
The external works will comprise of hard and soft landscaping, lighting, new steps and ramps
to facilitate universal access to the existing north wing and Iveagh Gardens, new railings to
Iveagh Gardens, bicycle stands, new surface water attenuation, new foul connection and all
associated ancillary works on a site area of circa. 0.837 hectares.
SECTION 4: SITE CONTEXT
4.1 Dublin City Development Plan & Zoning
This chapter will provide an overview of the planning context for the proposed development of
a National Children's Science Centre at the north range of National Concert Hall at
Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2.
Under the Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017, the development site, in the ownership
of the Office of Public Works, is covered by the following land-use zoning objective:
Georgian Conservation Areas – Zone Z8: To protect the existing architectural and civic
design character, to allow only for limited expansion consistent with the conservation
objective. (See Figure 1 for an illustration).
Lands zoned objective Z8 incorporate the main conservation areas in the city, primarily the
Georgian squares and streets. The aim is to protect the architectural character/ design and
overall setting of such areas.
Below is a list of the Permissible Uses in land-use zone Z8:
Permissible Uses
Bed and Breakfast, Childcare facility, Cultural/recreational building and uses, Education,
Embassy residential, Home-based economic activity, Hostel, Hotel, Live-work units,
Medical and related consultants, Office (maximum 40% of unit and excluding retail branch
bank/building society), Open space, Residential.
The use of the subject site for the purposes of a Children's Science Museum is compatible
with the Land Use Zoning objective for the area as it would be defined as a
'Cultural/recreational building'. Figure 1
4.2 Protected Structures
The Earlsfort Terrace Complex has Protected Structure status. The following are listed in the
Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017.
• Reference No. 2425 – National Concert Hall, including main building, boundary walls,
gates and railings.
• Reference No. 2426 – Real Tennis Court (Real Tennis Building)
• Reference No. 7791 – Iveagh House and Iveagh Gardens, including Stone Garden Folly
The proposed development complies with Policy FC35 of the Dublin City Development Plan
which requires the protection of the special interest and character of protected structures
while carrying out interventions to comply with requirements of the Building Regulations and
the necessity to provide universal access to buildings.
SECTION 4: DUBLIN CITY AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011-2017
As part of the design approach OPW made reference to the Dublin City Council Conservation
Officer’s Guidance Notes General Conservation Principles as follows:
• All conservation works are based on an understanding of the building and its historical
development, which is reflected in the design and the re-establishment of the original
connection to the Iveagh Gardens.
• The primary aim is to retain and to recover the significance of the building by bringing a
new use to this currently under utilised building.
• All alterations will be carried out in accordance with the principle of ‘minimal intervention.
Repairs to original fabric are to be favoured over replacement. Where replacement of an
original element is unavoidable this is to be based on historically correct profiles and
materials.
• All modern interventions where possible will be reversible and where appropriate visually
identifiable and all new works will be recorded.
As the National Concert Hall is a Protected Structure, pre-planning consultation meetings

were held with Dublin City Council on two occasions – 8th July & 19th August 2015. This
planning report also includes an Architectural Heritage Impact Statement.
Section 17.10.8.1 of the Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017 'Development in
Conservation Areas' provides recommendations for development proposals. The new
buildings complements and enhances the character and setting of the existing National
Concert Hall in terms of design, external finishes and proportion. The effect of the proposed
development on the surrounding environment, and the impact of development on the
immediate street-scape in terms of compatibility of design, scale, height, roof treatment, Figure 2: Extract from the Dublin RMP map (www.archaeology.ie)
materials and landscaping proposed is discussed in the later Section 6.
4.3 Zone of Archaeological Potential
The site of the National Concert Hall is located outside of the Zone of Archaeological
Potential. See Figure 2 Extract from the Dublin RMP map.
An Archaeological desktop study and Impact Statement was prepared out by Linzi Simpson
Archaeology on behalf of the Office of Public Works and it forms part of this planning
application.
SECTION 4: DUBLIN CITY AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011-2017
4.4 Public Transport, Parking Areas & Environmental Designations

Please refer to The Transport Statement prepared by DBFL Consulting Engineers on behalf
of the Office of Public Works which is included as part of this application.
Public Transport: As shown on Figure 3 (extract from Map J of the Dublin City Development
Plan 2011-2017), the National Concert Hall site is located in close proximity to the
existing Green LUAS line. It is also located close to the planned LUAS Cross City extension,
which is currently under construction. The site is adjacent to a number of the Dublin Bike
stations and Dublin Bus stops. Bicycle parking for staff and public will be provided for
adjacent to the main site entrance.
As shown on Figure 3 , the site of the National Concert Hall is located in Parking Zone 1. This
zone is generally within an inner city location where transport corridors intersect, or that has
significant interchange potential. Car parking provision in Zones 1 is restricted on account of
the proximity of these locations to public transport.
The Transport Statement Concluded as follows: Figure 3:

“It is considered that the impact on the surrounding road network as a result of the Extract from Map J of the Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017
implementation of the proposed Exploration Station/ Science Centre development will be
negligible due to the low forecast use of private car based trips travelling to and from the
Exploration Station/ Children’s Science Centre.
This deduction is based on the anticipated levels of traffic (and associated modal share by
sustainable modes of travel) generated by the proposed Exploration Station/ Children’s
Science Centre development, the existing and future road infrastructure and the information
and analysis summarised in the report. Accordingly it is concluded that the Exploration
Station/ Science Centre development proposals will not result in a material deterioration of
road conditions.”
(Extract from The traffic statement prepared by DBFL Consulting Engineers on behalf of the
Office of Public Works.)
4.5 Design Considerations
Plot Ratio
The Indicative Standard of plot ratio for the zone in which the National Concert Hall site is
located:
Zone Indicative Plot Ratio

Z8 Georgian 1.5
Proposed Plot Ratio 1.14
Site Coverage
The Indicative Site Coverage standards for the zone in which the National Concert Hall site is
located
Zone Indicative Site Coverage

Z8 Georgian 50%
Proposed Coverage 35.5%
Building Height in Dublin

The National Concert Hall site is located in the Inner City area as per the Dublin
City Council definition. Therefore the proposed development would fall in the category of Low
Rise.
4.6 Environmental Considerations
Flooding
Please refer to the Flood Risk Assessment Report that was prepared by Arup on behalf of the
Office of Public Works which is included as part of this planning application.
The OPW National Flood Hazard mapping database indicates that there are no flood points in
immediate proximity to the site of the National Concert Hall. The most recent flooding event in
proximity to the site occurred at Harold’s Cross, Dublin City in October 2011.
Figure 4:
Appropriate Assessment European sites within 1, 5 and 15km of the Proposed Development
Please refer to The Appropriate Assessment Screening Report prepared by Scott Cawley Ltd.
on behalf of the Office of Public Works which is included as part of this planning application.
“Conclusions of the Screening Assessment Process

The AA screening process has identified that 18 European sites lie within 15km of the
proposed development (see Figure 4). However, following a detailed analysis, no European
sites are deemed to be at risk of likely significant effects from construction or operation of the
proposed development. This conclusion has been reached by analysis of Qualifying Interests
(QIs) of all sites, and of the threats potentially preventing these QI’s from maintaining
favourable conservation status. The contribution of other potential projects in the same area
has also been assessed in this screening exercise.
This report has shown that there are no elements of the proposed development that could, on
their own or in combination with other plans or projects, lead to a risk of significant impacts on
European sites.”
(Extract from The Appropriate Assessment Screening Report prepared by Scott Cawley Ltd.
on behalf of the Office of Public Works which is included as part of this application.)
Planning Report - National Children’s Science Centre Office of Public Works - Architectural Services
Environmental Impact Assessment
The development of an extension to the existing National Concert Hall building does not to
fall under any of the mandatory criteria which would automatically result in the need for an
Environmental Impact Assessment. An EIS therefore does not form part of this application.
Bat Survey
Please refer to Bat Survey Report prepared by Scott Cawley Ltd. On behalf of the Office of
Public Works which is included as part of this application.
The bat survey of the National Concert Hall Complex identified the presence of a Soprano
Pipistrelle bat roost in a building located on the southern side of the site. It is important to note
that this building does not form part of the development of the National Children’s Science
Centre. The proposed development is located on the other side of the NCH complex and will
therefore not interfere with this roost.
Aerial view of Iveagh Garden and rear of National Concert Hall Complex
SECTION 5: HISTORY OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE
5.1 Overview of the National Concert Hall Complex
The history of the Earlsfort Terrace Complex is intertwined with that of Iveagh House and
Iveagh Gardens, hence the report starts with a history of the land that would become the
Iveagh Gardens. This is followed by the development of the Exhibition Building, Winter
Garden , associated Palace Gardens and the Great Exhibition of 1865. The report covers the
allocation of the remaining stone and brick exhibition building in 1883 for use by the Royal 1756 Map
University of Ireland, the construction of the Real Tennis Court, the development of the site as John Rocque’s map
of Dublin, showing
University College Dublin and the eventual opening of the National Concert Hall in 1981. the area south of
St Stephen’s Green
5.2 Historical Significance
Cobourg Gardens and the origins of the site.
In the last quarter of the 17th century, the Leeson family settled on the south side of St
Stephen’s Green, building a mansion and a brewery. In John Rocque’s 1756 map, this side of
the Green is called Leeson’s Walk. Shortly afterwards Leeson Street acquired its name and
the land to the south of the Green, located outside the city boundary became known as
Leeson’s Fields. This land would eventually become the Iveagh Gardens. In 1778 the first
house on the newly laid out Harcourt Street – Clonmel House - was constructed by John
Scott (1739-1798), 1st Earl of Clonmel, who shortly afterwards purchased 11 acres of 1833 Map
Leeson’s Fields, connecting them via a tunnel under Harcourt Street to his house.
In 1817 the lawn was leased and opened to the public as Cobourg Gardens, its concerts,
displays and fireworks enjoying the patronage of high society, with entrances on Harcourt
Street and through the Royal Horse Bazaar at No. 94 Stephen’s Green (in the approximate
location of today’s Stoke’s Place). By the 1830s the popularity of Cobourg Gardens had
declined and in 1836 the lease reverted to Thomas, Earl of Clonmell, who seems to have
planned a new street through the land. The plan was accepted by the Wide Streets
Commissioners and following this no.s 62-65 at the meeting place of Leeson Street and St
Stephen’s Green south were demolished. A few hundred metres of Clonmel Street were
constructed on the Harcourt Street side. By 1841 two houses had been completed on
Earlsfort Terrace.
1837 Map
Wide Street
Commission
1837 map from the Wide Streets Commission map showing the new Earl Of
Clonmel’s proposed new street linking Harcourt Street to the “intended new street”
which would become Earlsfort Terrace.
Benjamin Lee Guinness and The Exhibition Palace Company
The gardens were intact but in a neglected state when, in 1862, they were purchased by
Benjamin Lee Guinness, possibly as grounds to his town house (No.s 80 and 81 St Stephen’s
Green) which he had purchased in 1856 and transformed into Iveagh House. The former
wooded pleasure grounds were barely recognisable. In 1862 the Dublin Exhibition Palace
and Winter Garden Company was established, headed by the Duke of Leinster and
sponsored by William Dargan, the railway contractor; B.L. Guinness became a trustee. The
Dublin Exhibition Palace was ‘to be placed in ornamental pleasure grounds, in which the skill
of the landscape gardener will be displayed.’ In 1863 B.L. Guinness leased the land of the
future Iveagh Gardens to the company for the same price that he had paid for it. Following a
competition to design the Exhibition Palace, the design of Alfred Gresham Jones of No. 3
Molesworth Street was chosen and he was obliged to work with Frederick Darley, the
company architect to ensure the design was achieved within the budget of £35,000.
In May 1863, the contractor started work on transforming the Cobourg Gardens, which The
Dublin Builder described as ‘uneven, trampled, and most anti-picturesque’; the initial stages
involving considerable earth movements. Ninian Niven, famed landscape gardener and
former director of the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin (1834 – 1838) was employed to design the
‘Pleasure Gardens’. The gardens were already taking shape when, on June 15th 1863 the
foundation stone of the Exhibition Palace was laid by the Duke of Leinster.
1863
1865
Original Design for the arrangement of the Winter Garden Grounds of the Dublin
A photograph form 1865 showing the Exhibition Palace Crystal Palace. The link between the gardens and the exhibition buildings was an
façade on Earlsftort Terrace integral element of the design for the site.
The Exhibition Palace Building
The Exhibition Palace buildings were in two distinct parts – one was a building of stone and
brick, which faced Earlsfort Terrace. The other a huge L-shaped structure constructed in
glass within an elegant iron framework called a Winter Garden, or conservatory for exotic
plants and trees, to be an indoor promenade. For the exhibition, the Winter Garden provided
most of the exhibition space.
On the Earlsfort Terrace façade, there was a central pediment with Corinthian columns that
was supported by Doric columns. Above the pediment were three allegorical statues
representing Hibernia, Industry and Commerce (now in the Millennium Garden, Dame Street).
The first floor windows were in the Byzantine style and a long glass roofed verandah enabled
carriages to deliver passengers under cover from elements. The wall, railings, pillars and
gates on Earlsfort Terrace are still existing as in 1864, but without their tall lamps.
Inside the main portico the visitor of 1865 immediately entered the ‘Sculpture Hall’ (now the
John Field Room) which was open at the west end, so that the majestic cascade at the far
end of the pleasure gardens was clearly visible. A double stairway, still existing in the John
Field Room, led to the upper gallery of this hall. This wide four-sided gallery was a display
area for paintings.
To the right (North) of the Sculpture Hall was the smaller of the two concert halls, with a
three-sided gallery, able to accommodate 1,200 – 1,500 people. For the 1865 exhibition, a
floor was built at gallery level to provide two rooms, the upper being for the display of
paintings. In the long-term it was intended to be a lecture theatre and concert hall.
The Great Concert Hall, now the National Concert Hall Auditorium was located to the south of Image from the Exhibition Palace 1865
the Sculpture Hall. This had a capacity of approximately 3,000, including a vast choir and
orchestra space. The organ and stage were to the east end of the room. There was access to
the Great Concert Hall via three doors from the Sculpture Hall and via six doors from a
corridor on the south side. The west end, opposite the stage, was a large opening to the
Winter Garden.
The stone and brick portion of the buildings was constructed by Messers. Beardswood of
Dublin. The Winter Garden was constructed by Messers. Rankin & Sons of Liverpool, was
640 feet long and reached the height of the main building. On 12th May 1865 an extravagant
ball was held in the Winter Garden and Concert Hall.
Above Left: Feature fountain in the gardens on the main axis with the exhibition buildings.
Above Right: View from archery ground with Exhibition Palace and boathouse behind. Plans of Exhibition building in red and Winter Gardens in blue.
The Great Exhibition and the Aftermath
Albert Edward, Prince of Wales opened the international exhibition on 9th May 1865. Some
930,000 visitors attended the Exhibition between May and 9th November, when it closed. The
Exhibition Palace continued to function thereafter as a location for lectures, concerts, shows,
recreation and ‘rational enjoyment’. By 1867, the Company’s debts had risen alarmingly and
there followed a year of debate over the future of the Exhibition Palace. Financial assistance
was sought from Westminster but the offer was deemed insufficient. On September 25th 1871,
the Irish Times announced that Sir Arthur Guinness (1840-1915), son of the late Benjamin
Lee, and his brother Edward Cecil had re-purchased the site and buildings for the sum of
£60,000, thereby covering the Company’s debts.
Over the following ten years public events, including banquets, concerts, exhibitions, flower
shows and meetings were held on the site. A National Exhibition of Arts, Industries and
Manufacture was held in 1872. Another International Exhibition was organised in 1880 by the Stereoscope negative image of the Exhibition Palace from the fountain on the
gardens' main axis. The garden and buildings were interlinked and were intended to
Lord Mayor, Edward Gray. The site was provided free of charge and it was proposed that the be experienced together as part of the same complex.
Palace, Winter Garden and Park would be purchased for the City with the proceeds. The idea
collapsed after Queen Victoria was invited to become patroness and many subscriptions and
promises were withdrawn amid public outcry.
In 1883 Edward Cecil Guinness sold the Winter Garden structure to Mr. Lever, MP for
Galway. It was subsequently erected in Battersea Park, London, as the Albert Place of
Science and Art (demolished in 1894).
It was at about this time that the Great Concert space was extended to the west by an
additional bay of about 30 feet (or 9 metres) and a new external wall built following the
removal of the Winter Garden.
This boundary wall was built between the main building and the garden, the former being sold
to the Commissioners of Public Works. Ninian Niven’s pleasure grounds reverted to being the
private garden of Iveagh House.
OS map 1909 Royal University – First mapped record of new boundary wall between
the gardens and exhibition palace building, now the RUI.
Boundary Wall
Details of Winter Gardens elevation View of Exhibition Palace from the gardens
The Royal University of Ireland
The Royal University of Ireland [RUI] was established in 1880. In October 1881, the Senate of
the University drew up details of required accommodation, as no home for the institution had
yet been built or chosen.
In 1883, the remaining stone and brick portion of the exhibition building, was allocated for use
by the RUI by the Board of Works.
Edward Kavanagh, architect with the Board of Works, set about adapting the existing
exhibition building. Medical and Scientific Laboratories were constructed to the south and a
campanile of Dungannon stone was adjoined to the north-east corner of the façade, with
clock dials and bells from the GPO dating to 1818. The total cost of these works was in the
region of £35,000.
The university used the former Concert Hall, now the Great Hall, for exams and conferring
ceremonies and space was also regularly rented to organisations for concerts and
assemblies. In 1895 the newly established ‘Arts and Crafts Society of Ireland’ held its first
exhibition at Earlsfort Terrace. The inadequacy of the facilities were obvious to the University;
“The laboratories and lecture halls of the college are taxed to their fullest capacity.and
recently temporary buildings have been erected to accommodate rapidly increasing
The Royal University elevation onto Earlsfort Terrace and venting campanile at
numbers”. corner.
Image of gateway from Iveagh Photos of the boundary wall between Iveagh Gardens and the NCH buildings. This wall acts as a complete R.M. Butler’s plan overlaid over the Royal University of Ireland Plan - areas in blue
gardens to the rear of NCH. barrier between the gardens and Earlsfort Terrace, a contradiction of the original design intention for the site. are RUI laboratories
The Real Tennis Court/ Real Tennis Building
In 1883, Edward Cecil Guinness, later the first Earl of Iveagh, built the real tennis court for his
own personal use. The building structure of red brick is articulated with a series of recessed
brick panels externally, a glazed and slate roof with cast iron trusses and timber structure.
The court area was lined internally with limestone slabs to walls and floor. The court was
accessed at the western changing room end of the building from the grounds of Iveagh
House via the stables.
The new court was chosen as a neutral venue to host the Real Tennis world championships
in 1890, between Tom Pettitt of Boston, the champion, who retained his title, and Charles
Saunders of London and accommodated about one hundred and fifty spectators. An article in
The Speaker on the 7th June 1890 describes the court during the match.
“The court, like the castle of 'The Young King of the Black Isles,' was 'of black polished
marble,' and very nearly 'as smooth as glass.' It was entirely built of Irish marble, I believe,
from quarries in Connemara. One effect of this construction was that the players and the ball
were mirrored, as 'in a glass, darkly,' on floor and walls”
The disused court was used by University College Dublin primarily as a gymnasium during
the 1950's and 1960's and as examination hall during June and September. In the 1970's it
was used as a building laboratory by the School of Architecture and following that by the Civil
Engineers Department. Areas of the building were also used for storage of archaeological
material during excavations. The yard to the south was roofed by UCD with asbestos roof
sheeting and a number of temporary partitions erected internally, including a non-compliant
mezzanine level accommodating several offices.
Top and Above: Images of the Real Tennis Court from Earlsfort Terrace and the
grounds of the NCH. .
Internal views of the Real Tennis court. Existing polished limestone to walls and
floors of court to be cleaned, repaired and re-laid with original court markings
protected. Existing roof rafters to be retained and existing Victorian staircase
restored. The unauthorised mezzanine divides the tennis court area in two and is
proposed to be removed as part of the restoration work to the Real Tennis court.
Establishment of University College Dublin and the new building by R.M Butler.
In 1908 the Irish Universities Act was passed. This bill dissolved the Royal University of
Ireland, and established a federal body called the National University of Ireland with the
constituent colleges of Galway, Cork and Dublin. The University College of Dublin ( the
former Catholic University ), located in numbers 84 -86 St. Stephens Green was the chief
beneficiary of the act, receiving the premises of the former RUI and £110,000 building fund
for expansion work needed. Following an architectural competition Rudolph Maximillian
Butler of Messers. Doolin & Butler, Dawson Street was appointed architect.
Their scheme proposed the clearance of all the existing buildings from the site, and the
erection of the buildings around two quadrangles. The intention was to complete half the
design, which would accommodate all the departments on a moderate scale, and
approximately 1,200 students. In the meantime, the old exhibition buildings were to be
retained along with the Board of Works laboratories located near Upper Hatch Street.
In spite of dramatic wartime inflation from 1914 onwards, the building budget was never
increased. This and other financial difficulties meant that work ended in 1919, without Butler’s
plans being completed, evidenced by the unfinished wall at the northern end, close to Iveagh
Gardens. The new entrance façade was faced in Stradbally limestone, and had a central R.M. Butler’s proposed plans for University College Dublin. Only the front (east) and
portico entrance with Ionic columns. All of UCD’s faculties, except that of Agriculture (until one side (north) of the proposed building were completed.
1926) and Medicine (until 1931), moved into Earlsfort Terrace, along with the college library.
In 1939, Iveagh House, the tennis court and Iveagh Garden grounds were granted by Rupert
Guinness, the second Earl of Iveagh, as a gift to the State. In the 1980’s and the 1990’s the
Office of Pubic Works restored the fountains, grotto and paths of Iveagh gardens. The
principal terrace of the original Exhibition Building of 1863 could not be restored due to the
incomplete Butler plan and the late 19th centaury west boundary wall.
R.M. Butler’s proposed elevation to Earlsfort Terrace for University College Dublin. Photos of the new East and North Wing of UCD from the Crampton Archives.
Proposed section for the University College Dublin by R/M Butler.
Photos of the construction of the new East and North Wing of UCD from the Crampton Archives..
SECTION 5: HISTORY OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE History and Description of Proposed Development Site
The National Concert Hall and the gradual transfer of UCD to Belfield.
R M Butler’s structure was recognised as insufficient from 1919. Student numbers multiplied
and plans for new buildings for the departments of Engineering and Science on Hatch Street
never materialised. An important decision was reached by the Governing Body of the College
on 6th November 1951 – Henceforth the Belfield site, first purchased in 1934 for sports fields,
would be enlarged with further land purchases and adequate housing for all departments
would be built there. In the meantime, the situation at Earlsfort Terrace continued to
deteriorate, In July 1959 the Sculpture or ‘Pillar’ Hall was floored over at gallery level, the top
floor being the new library. The Convocation hall or smaller concert hall was also a library
though with two wide four-sided galleries added to exploit the great height of the room
efficiently. The Great Hall continued to be used for conferral ceremonies and concerts, as in
the days of the RUI. During World War II, it became a store-room for turf, and the galleries
and organ were lost. As an exam hall in the post war years, it was noted for its cold and
draughts.
By the 1970’s several UCD faculties had transferred to Belfield and the fate of the Earlsfort
Terrace buildings was again in question. As early as 1952 the ‘Concert and Assembly Hall
Ltd’ association was campaigning for a purpose built full-time concert hall which would be the
home of the RTE Symphony Orchestra. A John F Kennedy Memorial Concert Hall was
proposed by the Government in 1963, and architectural designs by Raymond McGrath, Central staircase in the North Wing.
Principal architect of the OPW, were considered, but the project faltered. Finally, in May 1974,
the Minister of Finance Richard Ryan announced plans for a National Concert Hall at
Earlsfort Terrace. The central entrance, hallway, the remainder of the Sculpture Room and of
course the Great Hall in Earlsfort Terrace were to form the core of the National Concert Hall.
The Office of Public Works Architectural Services led by Noel de Chenu and Michael O
Doherty, set about assessing & redesigning the designated area in 1975 and the last UCD
conferral ceremony was held in the hall in 1976. The NCH was opened in 1981.
The original Exhibition Building and part of the R.M Butler range of buildings continues in use Above: Details of various tiled finishes in the existing building.
as the National Concert Hall. The OPW in collaboration with the NCH is undertaking in 2016 Below: Existing corridor doorsets and existing windows,.
further improvement works which will enhance and extend the NCH’s facilities. Later this All existing features of the buildings including staircase, banisters, cornicing, fireplaces,
year the OPW will develop a masterplan for the NCH that will take cognisance of the National doors and windows to be retained, repaired and restored wherever possible.
Children’s Science Centre’s proposals and the future development of the NCH.
UCD vacated the site in 2007 including the northern part of the East Range fronting onto
Earlsfort Terrace and the North Range of the university, R.M Butler buildings. UCD also
vacated The Annexe, formerly the Real Tennis Court/ Real Tennis Building. These buildings
have recently housed the Dublin Contemporary 2011 exhibition.
The north wing of the existing Butler building currently houses the call centre of the NCH and
some offices but is predominately vacant.
The proposals contained in this report for the new National Children’s Science Centre relate
to the conservation, restoration and refurbishment of the North Range, part of the East Range
and the Annexe building. A new building fronting onto the Iveagh Gardens is also proposed.
The OPW Workshop
This limestone workshop located in the northwest corner of the site appears to date from the
same period as the high boundary wall that separates the Earlsfort Terrace buildings from the
Iveagh Gardens. The workshop is constructed from limestone and brick with the roof
supported on iron trusses. There are modern windows and non-original mezzanine internally.
The roof is partly slate and part suspected asbestos corrugated sheeting. The asbestos roof
will be removed in accordance with all Health and Safety Guidelines. This building is
currently being vacated. It is proposed to demolish this building as part of the proposed works
for the National Children’s Science Centre. The stonework of the shed and the boundary wall
is well executed and will be recycled through the OPW National Monuments Service for use
in appropriate heritage buildings
The removal of this workshop (along with a portion of the boundary wall) will re-establish the
link between the Iveagh Gardens and Earlsfort Terrace and enable the gardens and the NCH
complex to be experienced together as was the original site strategy.
OPW Maintenance Shed
This single storey concrete block shed is adjacent to the stone maintenance workshop and
accessed from the rear yard of Iveagh House. This is a modern addition and no historical
information on this building exists. It is currently acting as maintenance shed for the OPW’s
Building Maintenance Services who will be accommodated in another location.
Along with the removal of the boundary wall and workshop, the demolition of the shed will
allow the Iveagh Gardens to re-connect to its adjacent buildings in a cohesive, enlightening
and viable manner.
Above and Below: Existing limestone maintenance workshop. The stonework

will be salvaged for use elsewhere. The removal of this building reinstates the
visual and physical link between the Iveagh Gardens and Earlsfort Terrace.
Above: Existing modern OPW maintenance shed.
For further details on the design proposal please see the Architectural Design Statement. Additional information on
the workshop is as per the accompanying drawing and photographic survey of the workshop and Architectural
Heritage Impact Statement.
SECTION 6: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STATEMENT
6.1 The Design Approach
We peeled back the layers of history of this site in order to understand the character of the
place. We did site investigations, measured and recorded the existing buildings, checked site
levels, thresholds, entry points and views to and from the site. We analysed the Brief of the
National Children’s Science Centre to interpret its aspirations and to find possibilities to
support their national ambitions.
Our proposals reveal and explore the latencies of this site and its building and landscape
history. We have given thought to how these latencies can be woven into our design
proposals. We incorporate the grammar and syntax of what presently exists so as to make a
design proposal that enriches the present while honouring the past. The design acts as a
response to site and brief, and is not just a design statement for a national institution. There is
a new conversation with the old building and a re-connection with an interrupted dialogue with
Iveagh Gardens. Historic rooms and contemporary volumes combine with light and
landscape to once again unite Iveagh Gardens with its adjacent buildings. The opportunity to
link and lead an urban design strategy between Harcourt Street/ Clonmel Place, through
Iveagh Gardens, to Earlsfort Terrace has been grasped. The architectural and landscape
proposals have the ability to choreograph new distinct urban experiences.
The design imagines and allows for a future when the NCH will further develop and reclaim View of the new proposed extension from Iveagh Gardens
its relationship with Iveagh Gardens.
Visually, the new building will be visible from a small number of adjacent locations. It will not
overpower its neighbours but rather act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the Earlsfort
Terrace quarter and the reinvigoration of Iveagh Gardens.
Physically the new building will assert its presence onto Iveagh Gardens by re-imaging the
‘principal terrace’ of the historical Exhibition Building. This colonnaded space will be
animated by diners and exhibition visitors seated on a new terrace and transformed by the
potential to make a more unified cohesive public realm bringing all the disparate elements
together as a more legible and pleasurable civic experience than exists at present. The
ambition is to make a landscape and urban realm that is durable and diverse, one which is
capable of maturing and wearing well over time, while simultaneously providing a canvas to
accommodate a diversity of uses for the new Earlsfort Terrace Quarter.
Sketches showing historical

plan, existing plan and
proposed design intent linking
to Iveagh Gardens
Siteplan
6.2 Conservation / Restoration / Refurbishment
The OPW have huge experience in this area of Protected Structures. We understand the
building and its historic development. We aim to retain and recover its architectural
significance through careful conservation, restoration and refurbishment, carried out with the
principle of minimal intervention commiserate with its new role as a National Children’s
Science Centre. We will repair original fabric, replace missing original elements based on
historically correct design and materials and avoid conjectural propositions. Contemporary
interventions will be identifiable and recorded.
The original building will have a number of necessary interventions. The new main entrance
is placed mid-way along the north elevation where the building steps forward in a
conventional neo-classical manner. Existing window openings will be adjusted to follow for a
new entrance which will provide universal access due to an adjustment of the external levels.
Internally the entrance foyer is set within an area which had experienced significant post-
completion interventions by UCD over a long period of time. Our planning drawings show all
proposed interventions through a ‘before and after’ series of plans, elevations and ceiling
plans combined with sections. A maintenance shed, oil tanks and ancillary elements will be
removed. The store from the old OPW maintenance store will be recycled through our
National Monuments Service architectural staff for use in appropriate heritage buildings. A
separate Heritage Impact Statement is included in this planning submission.
The Real Tennis Building will be restored to its original volume. All original polished limestone
to the walls and floor will be fully cleaned, restored and re-laid. Existing windows to the
building are to be restored and reused providing the natural ventilation required for the
Above: Ground, First and Second floor plans
building. An underfloor heating system will heat the space with minimal intervention on the
historic building fabric. The non original wall to the south of the court will be clad in salvaged RM Butler’s original plans for the new UCD building.
Note the variety of room sizes and irregular location of internal walls. It is proposed to
brick to integrate with the existing brick wall as much as possible, with the new windows and
remove some of the existing internal walls in order to create larger display spaces.
doors clearly legible as modern interventions. The corrugated roof and ramp between this This intervention has precedent in RM Butler’s original design approach for the
wall and the Real Tennis Building will be removed and a proper foyer space will be provided. building.
This space will also link into a below ground tunnel between the north wing and The Real
Detailed elevation of Tennis Building. The renovated Real Tennis Building can also act as an independent event
window to be restored space with the proposed restoration works offering the possibility of the sport of Real Tennis
Building being played on the court once again.
6.3 New Building
The new building to the west of the North Wing is contemporary in design. It contains dining,
exhibition space, and a planetarium, plus service facilities for both the NCH and the National
Children’s Science Centre (NCSC). It is designed in such a manner that it can be used ‘out of
hours’ by the NCSC for a variety of purposes such as corporate events, specialist lectures in
the Planetarium, etc. This will bring added diversity to the Earlsfort Terrace Quarter and
celebrate the new public realm proposals, without compromising the existing NCH uses.
Indeed there are many opportunities for mutual benefit and interactive synergies between the
NCSC and the NCH.
6.4 Massing
The profile lines of the existing North Wing are maintained and these lines help generate the
massing of the new building. The planetarium location and hemisphere form respond to the
original neo-classical axis’s of Iveagh Gardens and the original Exhibition Building .
However, the planetarium is placed asymmetrically in the plan and elevation of the new
building so as to clarify its contemporary role and respond to the brief requirements for an
adjacent foyer display space.
6.5 Materials
The existing North Wing will have its existing windows, doors, joinery, metalwork and roof
restored and conserved where required. The new building will use civic quality materials such
as limestone, zinc dome and high quality glazing systems to give the new extension a more
contemporary appearance. The classical proportions and rhythms of the Butler Building are View of the new proposed extension from Iveagh Gardens
reflected and inflected in the modern limestone cladding and the glazing of the façades,
helping to link the old with the new in the manner of ‘responsive cohesion’ previously outlined.
Internal view of the new exhibition space looking towards Iveagh Gardens
6.6 Scale and Proportion
The existing building is a neo-classical design similar to many German public buildings of the
late nineteenth century. Indeed, Butler visited such buildings when on holidays and trips to
Europe. It has a certain imperial Germanic heaviness without the finesse of similar French
neo-classical buildings of that period. Nevertheless, it has an austere presence due to its
massing, scale and proportions.
We have carried profile and fenestration lines into the new stone detailing and fenestration of
the proposed building in a contemporary manner. We have adopted an analysis of
‘responsive cohesion’ between buildings and parts of buildings and their many contexts.
Warwick Fox, environmental philosopher, developed this approach in his Theory of Contexts
recent publications. We have distilled this theoretical discourse into a series of elements to
generate an overall cohesive order between old and new. Thus the parts answer to each
other in such a way as to generate, maintain or contribute to the overall cohesion of the
whole. However, a high degree of responsive cohesion should not be marked by uniformity
or blandness. Rather, it should add value to its context and this requires much more than just
simplistically ‘fitting in’. Place, people and technology were vital elements in informing this
approach.
The new building separates itself from the existing building because it must. The wide
foundations of the existing building coupled with the unfinished toothed stone gable, require View of entrance from Earlsfort Terrace showing public realm, paving
the new building to step away from the existing end gable. We have turned this requirement and landscape.
into a positive. In doing so a glazed slot is inserted between both buildings to cater for
differential movement and exploit the visual and constructional qualities of the existing cut Elevational view of the north wing with the proposed new
and random stone gable and the contrasting cut stone of the new building. extension on the right. Profile and figure ground lines of
the existing building help generate a response in the new
The elevational scale and proportions of the new building vary within an overall constant building based on the principles of “ responsive cohesion”.
structural frame as they move away from the existing building. This gives an elevational
diversity within the unity of the overall building framework. This approach allow the elements
closest to the old building to be more visually closed, while also allowing the more open
elevation to Iveagh Gardens to respond to its context and the views it provides. Thus, the
latencies of the historical building, Iveagh Gardens, the building brief and programme,
respond together as a cohesive whole.
6.7 Public Realm
As previously mentioned the primary urban design intent is to re-connect Iveagh Gardens to
its adjacent buildings in a manner that is cohesive, viable and enlightening. The public realm
will be enriched and its site history honoured. The formality of the gardens is distilled into a
number of responses and installed as part of the linking public realm between Iveagh
Gardens and Earlsfort Terrace, opening the gardens up to the city.
Pleached lime trees will form a line linking both spaces. They will be under planted with lines
of box, yew and laurel hedge. Together they will give a landscaped architectural response
that is contemporary, yet responsive, to the French/Italian design genesis of Iveagh Gardens,
In addition, it will give a unity to the disparate wall boundary to the north side of the site.
Seating, lighting and wayfaring are integrated into the limestone and granite paving
connecting Earlsfort Terrace and Iveagh Gardens. The hard landscaped forecourt to the front
of the Butler Building has been treated in a formal manner so as to exploit the positive aspect
and vistas of the proposed site. The limestone and granite paving picks up features from the
classical elevation. The large glazed roof light at the eastern corner of the Butler building,
which sits over the underground link, acts as a beacon announcing the entrance to the
National Children’s Science Centre.
Through the new stone wall it is proposed to create a picture frame window capturing and
framing the view through to the small pavilion built of Bath stone designed as a centrepiece
for the small lake behind Iveagh House.
The objective of the original Iveagh garden design was to demonstrate the art of Victorian
landscape architecture, with the gardens being asked to serve many purposes – recreational, Sketch of pleached lime trees with hedging and seating.
Hard landscaping plan
sporting, exhibition, botanical and landscaping. A formal French and Italian layout was
chosen for the central portion of the garden. Avenues, statues and fountains with a cataract
on the main axis were some of the principal features which have largely remained unchanged
to this day. The new paved plaza to the west of the proposed extension, is intended to
respond to the original spacious raised terrace called the ‘Principal terrace’ in the 1860’s. The
new public realm will help re-unite Iveagh Gardens with its adjacent buildings, while
simultaneously providing a canvas to accommodate a diversity of uses for the new Earlsfort
Terrace Quarter.
6.8 Universal Access
A clear pedestrian access route has been defined, mediating between the various site levels
while allowing for full universal access. The principles of Universal Access have been applied
throughout the design process. Both the building and external spaces have been designed
with full regard to the building regulations and Part M (amendment) regulations 2010.
Paving picking up features from

Picture window capturing view through to Iveagh Gardens and adjacent
the classical elevation
6.9 Services Strategy

The services strategy will occur within the strict context of best conservation practice. Existing
voids and natural ventilation ducts will be reused through out the historic building. For
example, the central corridor has an existing void between the corridor ceiling and the
structural floor slab. This void will be used as a central distribution for mechanical ventilation
as shown in the adjacent diagram. Similarly the existing raised floors in the exhibition space
will provide space for the distribution of electrical and data cabling.
Mechanical
The mechanical services in the new extension will be kept separate from those of
the existing building. The existing boiler plant serving the entire NCH complex will be moved
to the basement of the new extension. This new basement plant room will also contain all the
water calorifer, headers, pumps and ancillaries including a gas detection system. It will also
house 2 no. AHU's serving the kitchen and basement toilets.
Heating
Heating for the existing building will be achieved by using a new Low Pressure Hot Water and
radiator system. Existing heating pipe work will be replaced with new mild steel pipework
Some of the cast iron radiators located in the existing building will be pressure tested,
refurbished, repainted and incorporated into the new heating system. Where a radiator is
beyond repair or additional radiators are needed these will be sourced where possible from
the building.
Ventilation
The existing building and extension will be provided with some background mechanical
ventilation. Air handling plant will be located on the roof. Filtered and tempered fresh air with
heat recovery will be supplied to each floor through ductwork which will run
vertically in the building in service risers. New supply and extract ventilation ductwork will be
routed horizontally in ceiling void spaces, through new sidewall mounted grilles in similar
locations to the existing grilles and integrated into the suspended ceiling of the new build.
The kitchen and toilets in the new build will be ventilated separately from dedicated air
handling plant located in the new basement plant room. The science show theatre is planned
for an old lecture hall which has a functioning, standalone mechanical ventilation system. The
air handling unit is located in the basement under the theatre and all the conditioned air is
ducted to the lecture hall. The AHU will be refurbished and the existing ventilation ductwork
system will be stripped out and replaced with new ductwork and grilles. The air may be
supplied from under the seats and extracted at high level as is the current arrangement.
Diagrams showing the integration of proposed new services within existing service
Toilets will be provided with supply and extract ventilation ductwork system served from a routes to minimize the effect on the existing building. The colour indicates what is
concealed dedicated roof mounted air handling plant. Ductwork will be routed through vertical new and the grey is the existing fabric.
service risers. DX air conditioning will be provided to all IT comms rooms.
Soils and Wastes

Generally, the soils and waste pipework shall be run in uPVC and MuPVC branch wastes.
The system shall comply with BS 8301 and the requirements of the building regulations.
Domestic Water Services

The requisite quantity of cold water for the building shall be stored in sectional cold water
tanks located in the basement plant room. Water shall be delivered to WCs, showers, WHBs
etc. under pressure from a water booster set. New insulated copper pipework shall be used
throughout and distributed through ceiling voids and service risers.
Electrical
In the existing building the redundant electrical services shall be stripped out, including
cabling and the opes shall be repaired.
The new build will be provided with a complete electrical installation that shall comprise of the
supply, installation, testing, commissioning and hand over of the various systems and
installations as follows - New main distribution board incorporating standby generator auto-
changeover facilities, the complete LV Mains and sub-mains distribution system, from the
new main distribution board to the various sub distribution boards located in new and existing
Building, complete Fire Alarm Installation, complete Structured Cabling Installation, complete
Lighting and Emergency Lighting Installation, complete General Services Installation, Photo showing existing ductwork to be removed. New mechanical plant will be
complete Intruder Alarm Installation, complete CCTV and Access Control Installation concealed.
The cabling will run in vertical service risers. A new distribution board shall be installed at the
end of the corridor on each floor to supply the new electrical services required. As per the
mechanical services for the new build these services will distributed through ceiling voids and
service risers.
Lifts
The lift installation will consist of four lifts. Two of these will be single entry passenger lifts
located in the existing building and serving all four floors. These will also serve as evacuation
lifts in the event of a fire. There will also be a through car type goods lift located in the new
build which will serve all five floors. Finally, another through car type passenger lift will serve
both floors of the Real Tennis building.
Children: The Discovery Cycle
Child development occurs in a series of stair-step stages, increasing in complexity from stage
to stage.
The Magic of Discovery – Movement and Language

From 2-6 years of age, the infant learns the basic sensoomotor co-ordination and hand and
eye; becomes aware of the three dimensional nature of reality and the fact that objects have
permanence in themselves and can be moved. Dressing-up and “make believe” is popular
and group play commences.
The Discovery of Logic – How and Doing

Form 6-10 years of age a child’s thought patterns become systematic. They exhibit great
curiosity about how things work and the want to earn by doing. Rule based team games and
the collection and bartering of objects become popular.
Problem Solving – Discovering the Answers.

Form 10-14 years of age sees the growth of mature adult intelligence. Thinking becomes
more reasoned and scientific. It is important to nurture the intuitive and creative side of this
age group. This is a delicate age for protecting the rhythm of discovery as teenage
physiological and emotional characteristics begin to dominate.
Design Goals
A Science building that is:

• Dynamic
• Changing
• Multi-Dimensional
• About Discovery and adventure as is science
A Children’s building that is:

• A rhythm of discovery
• Incremental in Scale
• Architecture for the imagination
• Multi-layered as are children
A Cultural Building:
• Environmentally Aware
• Civic in concept and detail design quality
• Balanced in capital and life cycle costs
• Built to change and designed to last
• A space for discovery, a place for fun
Design Process
• To study child development and understand children’s needs

• To seek inspiration in the dynamics of science
• To design a building enriched by such insights cognisant to its functional brief and site
context
SECTION 7: SURROUNDING VIEWS
Existing View
Proposed View – no change
View from corner of Leeson Street and St. Stephen’s Green looking south to National Concert Hall
Existing View Proposed View
View from Hatch Street entrance looking north to rear of National Concert Hall
View from corner of Hatch Street and Earslfort Terrace facing north towards National Concert Hall and Real Tennis Court.
View from Earslfort Terrace facing north towards and Real Tennis Court.
View from Earslfort Terrace facing west towards the Iveagh Gardens.
View from Real Tennis Court facing south- west towards the proposed new entrance in the existing building and Iveagh Gardens.
View facing south- west towards the proposed new entrance in the existing building, new rear extension and link to Iveagh Gardens.
The removal of the maintenance store on the right side of the existing view will allow the reconnection of Iveagh Gardens with the proposed new
development.
View from Iveagh Gardens facing east towards the proposed new rear extension.
Note that the dome of the planetarium is on the axis of the existing Iveagh Garden path. This
serves to reinforce the historic link between the garden and the historic buildings that is
presently lost by the early 20th Century wall, which divides the gardens from the adjacent
buildings. A new paved terrace adjacent to the rear extension is intended to respond to the
original 1860’s terrace known as ‘The Principal Terrace’.
View from Iveagh Gardens facing north-east towards the proposed new rear extension overlooking the Iveagh Gardens.
Evening view from Iveagh Gardens facing north-east towards the proposed new rear extension overlooking the Iveagh Gardens.
SECTION 8: SELECTION OF GENERAL ARRANGMENT DRAWINGS AND SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION
Schedule of Accommodation
Selected General Arrangement Drawings included with this Planning Report.
Location Accommodation
Basement
Existing National Concert Hall Building School Lunch Area
Please note that these are selected drawings only. Please refer to full Planning Application Cloakroom/Buggy/Locker Area
Public WC
drawing set included as part of this planning application. Plant Room
Circulation
New Rear Extension Public WC

PLA_003 Proposed Site Plan Workshop
PLA_110 Proposed Basement plan Storage Areas
PLA_111 Proposed Ground Floor plan Plant Room
Circulation
PLA_112 Proposed First Floor plan
PLA_113 Proposed Second Floor Plan Real Tennis Building New Underground link to Real Tennis Building
PLA_114 Proposed Third Floor Plan Circulation
PLA_115 Proposed Roof Plan Ground Floor

PLA_210 Real Tennis Proposed Plans Existing National Concert Hall Building Main entrance and ticketing area
PLA_211 Real Tennis Proposed Elevations Science Show Theatre
Gift Shop
PLA_020 Existing and Proposed East/ Earlsfort Terrace Elevation Classrooms and teaching spaces
PLA_021 Existing and Proposed West/Iveagh Gardens Elevation Permanent Exhibition/ Interactive Display Areas
Staff Offices
PLA_023 Existing and Proposed North Elevation Circulation
PLA_024 Existing and Proposed South Elevation Real Tennis
New Rear Extension Café
Kitchen
Circulation
Real Tennis Building Temporary Exhibition/ Interactive Display Areas

Staff Area
Public WC
Storage
Circulation
First Floor
Existing National Concert Hall Building Permanent Exhibition/ Interactive Display Areas
Science Showcase Laboratory
Staff Offices
Pubic WC
Circulation
New Rear Extension Permanent Exhibition/ Interactive Display Areas

Circulation
Real Tennis Viewing Platform and Circulation

Second Floor
Existing National Concert Hall Building Permanent Exhibition/ Interactive Display Areas
Staff Offices
Public WC
Staff WC
Circulation
New Rear Extension Permanent Exhibition Space/ Interactive Display Areas
Demonstration Workshop Space
Circulation
Third Floor
New Rear Extension Planetarium, lobby and associated ancillary accommodation
External Balcony
Circulation

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NATIONAL CHILDREN’S SCIENCE CENTRE

EARLSFORT TERRACE, DUBLIN 2

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Project Team

3.0 Project Description

4.0 Site Context

4.1 Dublin City Development Plan & Zoning

4.2 Protected Structures

4.3 Zone of archaeological Potential

4.4 Public Transport, Parking Areas & Environmental Designations

4.5 Design Considerations

4.6 Environmental Considerations

5.0 History of Proposed Development Site

5.1 Overview of the National Concert Hall complex

5.2 Historical Significance

6.0 Architectural Design Statement

6.1 Design Approach

6.2 Conservation, Restoration and Renovation

6.3 New Building

6.6 Scale and Proportion Materials

6.7 Public Realm

6.8 Universal Access

6.9 Services Strategy

7.0 Surrounding Views

8.0 Selection of General Arrangement Drawings & Schedule of Accommodation

Ciaran O’Connor FRIAI

Client : The Office of Public Works and the Board of

Architects: The Office of Public Works,

Conservation Architects: OPW Architectural Services and Blackwood

Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: The Office of Public Works,

Traffic Management Consultants: DBFL Consulting Engineers and Transportation

Ecological Consultants: Scott Cawley

Archaeologists: Linzi Simpson Archaeology

Arboriculturist: Arborist Associates Ltd.

4.1 Dublin City Development Plan & Zoning

Below is a list of the Permissible Uses in land-use zone Z8:

4.2 Protected Structures

As the National Concert Hall is a Protected Structure, pre-planning consultation meetings

4.3 Zone of Archaeological Potential

4.4 Public Transport, Parking Areas & Environmental Designations

The Transport Statement Concluded as follows: Figure 3:

4.5 Design Considerations

Zone Indicative Plot Ratio

Zone Indicative Site Coverage

Building Height in Dublin

4.6 Environmental Considerations

“Conclusions of the Screening Assessment Process

5.1 Overview of the National Concert Hall Complex

5.2 Historical Significance

Cobourg Gardens and the origins of the site.

Benjamin Lee Guinness and The Exhibition Palace Company

The Exhibition Palace Building

The Great Exhibition and the Aftermath

The Royal University of Ireland

The Real Tennis Court/ Real Tennis Building

Proposed section for the University College Dublin by R/M Butler.

The OPW Workshop

OPW Maintenance Shed

Above and Below: Existing limestone maintenance workshop. The stonework

Above: Existing modern OPW maintenance shed.

6.1 The Design Approach

Sketches showing historical

6.2 Conservation / Restoration / Refurbishment