The intention behind this project was to create a new front courtyard for an existing set of old industrial buildings recently acquired by the Dublin School of Architecture. The as found buildings formerly served as a School of Trades but would be used by the School of Architecture for the coming decade. Consequently, the existing buildings are to be refurbished extensively.

The brief stipulated that School of Architecture was looking to implement a new exhibition space, reception area, archive space and café.

The corresponding proposal introduced a set of individual architectural elements that would collectively create an architectural ensemble. This ensemble included certain pre-existing elements but would also introduce a rationalised reception area, new portico, colonnade, pavilion, podium and archive space.

The conceptual basis for this intervention hinged on an idea borrowed from John Hejduk’s 1981 project entitled ‘Victims’. In Hejduk’s project each building takes on an anthropomorphic character to create an ensemble within the confines of a fixed border. Subsequently each contributes to the formation of a whole. Similarly the elements belonging to this project are projected as ‘actors’, each contributing to the overall formation of the space.

As one enters into the courtyard beneath the historical archway, one would be met by a carefully positioned podium and pavilion, both of which help to frame a new portico attached to the existing building. Together the entrant and the architectural elements help set up a ‘scene’ and as one moves through the courtyard new elements are revealed.

Upon entering the main building, one is be met by a singular space that comprises both the reception area and exhibition space. Adjacent to this is the archive space, which is positioned as such to provide maximum convenience for storage and display.

If one dwells in the courtyard itself, the relationship between the pavilion/café and podium becomes apparent. Each helps to form an outdoor cinema space. The pavilions inverted roof and corresponding shuttering allow it to create a blank surface onto which images may be projected from the position of the podium. Additionally, the colonnade opposite the main building provides a sheltered seating space if needed.

The overall project, though short in duration (2 weeks), provided the basis to test certain ideas in relation to an upcoming thesis. The notion of fixed architectural elements working together to create an ensemble of this sort would influence the later conceptualisation of the ‘City as an Archipelago’.