Coopers Cross, North Dublin Docklands
A vibrant pedestrian-centred urban development creating a new cultural hub in Dublin's historic Docklands.
Coopers Cross is a new development in Dublin's north docklands, near the River Liffey. The project features two distinctive office buildings on either side of a stepped pedestrian street with cultural attractions, cafes, leisure activities and a landscaped park at street level.
The buildings front onto Mayor Street, with a thoughtfully designed pedestrian route providing direct access through the site to the river - a central element of the overall design strategy. The pedestrian plaza is stepped at both ends to provide seating and to create a protected, sheltered space between the buildings. The side of the steps is landscaped with trees and plants. The plaza provides a lower level entrance into, and connection between, the office buildings as well as access to café and leisure uses. A striking glass structure in the centre of the plaza provides access to a photography gallery below. The gallery is contained within a simple chamber of board-marked concrete, which connects the two buildings.
[390,000 sq ft]
Distinctive architectural language creates connection, light and character throughout the development.
The larger of the two office buildings has a full height atrium which draws light deep into the office floorplates and creates a visual connection between upper floors and the levels below. A stepped auditorium is accessed from the entry hall which connects the building to the pedestrian plaza creating a seamless transition from the new street to the internal auditorium.
To the north and south, onto the park and Mayor Street, both buildings have similar open glass façades. The glass treatment to Mayor Street is suspended and the aprons and skirts of this screen are designed to illustrate its lightness. The deep brises soleil are also suspended and provide shading and depth to these façades. To the east and west, the buildings are differentiated by an individual language and character. One is clad with a deep bronze matrix while the other is characterised by a series of vertical copper fins.
Façades & Artworks crafted from industrial materials & colours throughout the public realm enrich this project, celebrating community, innovation, and the historical context of Dublin's docklands. Coopers Cross stands as a thoughtful addition to the urban landscape, fostering collaboration and connection while respecting the area's industrial heritage.
