Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland

The Grand Canal Square is a public square and focal point located within the Dublin Docklands Development area and was designed by Martha Schwartz Partners. A red ‘carpet’ connects the back of the square to the canal and continues into the canal itself. Diagonally across the square a green band of planting and grass is located. Overlaid onto these two elements is a seemingly random arrangement of paths. These slice through the elevated lawns and planters, creating direct desire lines.

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Planters

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Steel Bench

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Paving Interface Details

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Paving Detail with Stone Benches

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Stone Bench Detail

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Canal Edge Detail

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Planter Finish Detail with Lighting Strip

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Lighting Strips to the Base of Planters with Lit Columns in Background – © Martha Schwartz Partners

Within the red ‘carpet’ a water feature is located towards the rear of the square. The water feature design pick up on the seemingly random geometry found elsewhere in this schemes design.

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Water Feature

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Water Feature Rear Elevation

Along the length of the red ‘carpet’ non vertical red columns are placed. As well as being sculptural elements during daylight hours they perform the function of feature lighting during the night.

Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland – Sculptural Lighting Columns

A shared surface connects the square to Pearse Street, with controlled vehicular access at the Pearse Street end. Along the canal edge an avenue of trees have been planted.