Have you ever wondered what a building with a strong black and white colour palette would look like, weathered into shades of brown? Right here, in front of you, stands Lansdowne House, a 9-storey office block in Dublin, Ireland. Though its once vibrant design has softened over time, Lansdowne House was, in its day, a remarkable architectural achievement and the first Irish bank headquarters to embrace pre-cast concrete. Completed in 1967, this L-shaped building, designed by Tyndall Hogan and Associates, has since seen a number of shifts in its occupants. First, it was home to Allied Irish Bank, then the Office of Public Works, and now, the Labour Court and Workplace Relations Commission. In fact, this grand office block was the first building in Dublin to be constructed using pre-cast units made on-site, and its exterior features unique, pre-cast window-wall units with built-in gutters. These were designed to weather naturally, resulting in the rich brown tones you see today. Though you may find yourself admiring the building’s aesthetic, what’s truly remarkable is its innovative use of concrete as a building material. This was something truly groundbreaking for Dublin at the time, and a testament to the vision of the architects, who aimed to create a design that worked in harmony with the Victorian residences surrounding it. Take a moment to appreciate this architectural gem, and be sure to keep an eye out for the mobile sculpture in the entrance hall by Edward Delaney while you’re at it!
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to