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Moore Ruble Yudell's new masterplan for the Dublin Institute of Technology
The Grangegorman Masterplan creates a new sustainable higher learning campus
for Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Ireland’s national Health Care Service (HSE). The 73 acre site was previously used by the old St. Brendan’s Psychiatric Hospital to house and treat mental patients since the early 1800s. Walled off from the city, it is one of the largest undeveloped pieces of land in the city of Dublin. The masterplan reintegrates this site into the fabric of the city. It was important to maintain links to the past by protecting much of the mature landscaping and open space as well as eleven existing historic buildings that will be revitalised with new programmatic roles.
The master plan creates a vibrant urban quarter by responding to the site’s rich historical context and strengthening connections to the existing urban fabric. A major east-west pedestrian path takes full advantage of the opportunity to join several significant green belts and circulation axes in the area. Within the campus, the master plan creates two major centers of activity: Library Square serves as the 'campus heart' toward the west, while the more public-oriented Arts Forum to the east is lined with theaters, museums and exhibition galleries. A formal urban path links the significant destinations on the campus. A landscaped path counterpoints the main path to provide a more informal means of access to the buildings. A series of north-south landscape 'fingers' weave through to provide direct access to the separate DIT and HSE districts.
The design offers world-class, innovative facilities, enhancing each institution’s identity and image by employing a contemporary interpretation of traditional collegiate quads. Student housing and amenities are woven through the site along a sinuous landscape path at the edge of the sports pitches, looking out onto the city and Dublin Mountains beyond. All existing protected structures within the site have been preserved, while a Cultural Garden connects the older and new buildings on the campus.
DIT plans to complete the move by 2011 when all of its 40 disparate locations will finally be accommodated on one single highly stainable campus. The new Grangegorman Urban Quarter is planned to revitalise the northern district of the City of Dublin.
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