THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE SIPTU TRADE UNION
VIEWS OF LIBERTY HALL IN DUBLIN [THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE SIPTU TRADE UNION]
The trend of constructing very tall buildings is less pronounced in Ireland compared to other countries. This is partly due to historical factors, planning regulations, and the relatively smaller scale of Irish cities. However it should be noted that two were built for Trade Unions: Liberty Hall, Dublin and Transport House, Belfast and I have photographed both.
Liberty Hall, the headquarters of the SIPTU trade union, is a prominent landmark on Dublin's skyline. Its modern iteration, completed in 1965, has been a source of contention for many Dubliners due to its stark contrast with the city's traditional architecture.
History of the Modern Building and Abandoned Replacement Plans:
The current Liberty Hall, designed by Desmond Rea O'Kelly, was built to replace an older structure that was destroyed by fire during the Irish Civil War in 1922. Standing at 59.4 meters tall, it was the tallest building in Ireland for a time.
In the early 2000s, plans were made to demolish the existing building and replace it with a much larger skyscraper designed by Norman Foster. This ambitious project, which would have been the tallest building in Ireland, was ultimately abandoned due to the economic downturn of 2008.
The Historic Building it Replaced:
The original Liberty Hall, built in 1909, was a significant site in Irish history. It served as the headquarters of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), a key player in the 1913 Dublin Lockout and the Easter Rising of 1916. The building was occupied by the Irish Citizen Army during the Rising and was badly damaged in the fighting.
Reasons for Dislike and Perceived "Out of Place" Appearance:
Many Dubliners dislike the current Liberty Hall for its modernist design, which they feel clashes with the city's historical architecture. Its imposing concrete facade and height are seen as incongruous with the surrounding cityscape, dominated by Georgian buildings and other traditional styles.
Some critics also argue that the building's location, on the banks of the River Liffey, is inappropriate for such a tall and modern structure. They believe it disrupts the visual harmony of the waterfront and obscures views of other important landmarks.
Despite the criticisms, Liberty Hall remains a significant building in Dublin. It is a symbol of the city's working-class history and the trade union movement in Ireland. While its aesthetic appeal may be debated, its historical importance is undeniable.
In conclusion, Liberty Hall's modern design and its replacement of a historically significant building have contributed to its controversial status in Dublin. Its perceived incompatibility with the city's architectural character has led to widespread dislike, although it continues to hold an important place in Irish labor history.
Note: The bombing on December 1st, 1972, significantly impacted the building's appearance. The blast, which occurred during the Troubles, caused extensive damage, shattering the glass facade. While the building was repaired, the original type of glass was no longer available. The replacement glass, unfortunately, had a different tint and texture, altering the building's aesthetic and arguably diminishing its visual appeal. This is an important point to consider when discussing why people dislike Liberty Hall. The bombing and subsequent alterations to its facade undoubtedly contributed to its perceived unattractiveness. It serves as a reminder of a turbulent period in Irish history and adds another layer to the complex relationship Dubliners have with the building.
The trend of constructing very tall buildings is less pronounced in Ireland compared to other countries. This is partly due to historical factors, planning regulations, and the relatively smaller scale of Irish cities. However it should be noted that two were built for Trade Unions: Liberty Hall, Dublin and Transport House, Belfast and I have photographed both.
Liberty Hall, the headquarters of the SIPTU trade union, is a prominent landmark on Dublin's skyline. Its modern iteration, completed in 1965, has been a source of contention for many Dubliners due to its stark contrast with the city's traditional architecture.
History of the Modern Building and Abandoned Replacement Plans:
The current Liberty Hall, designed by Desmond Rea O'Kelly, was built to replace an older structure that was destroyed by fire during the Irish Civil War in 1922. Standing at 59.4 meters tall, it was the tallest building in Ireland for a time.
In the early 2000s, plans were made to demolish the existing building and replace it with a much larger skyscraper designed by Norman Foster. This ambitious project, which would have been the tallest building in Ireland, was ultimately abandoned due to the economic downturn of 2008.
The Historic Building it Replaced:
The original Liberty Hall, built in 1909, was a significant site in Irish history. It served as the headquarters of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), a key player in the 1913 Dublin Lockout and the Easter Rising of 1916. The building was occupied by the Irish Citizen Army during the Rising and was badly damaged in the fighting.
Reasons for Dislike and Perceived "Out of Place" Appearance:
Many Dubliners dislike the current Liberty Hall for its modernist design, which they feel clashes with the city's historical architecture. Its imposing concrete facade and height are seen as incongruous with the surrounding cityscape, dominated by Georgian buildings and other traditional styles.
Some critics also argue that the building's location, on the banks of the River Liffey, is inappropriate for such a tall and modern structure. They believe it disrupts the visual harmony of the waterfront and obscures views of other important landmarks.
Despite the criticisms, Liberty Hall remains a significant building in Dublin. It is a symbol of the city's working-class history and the trade union movement in Ireland. While its aesthetic appeal may be debated, its historical importance is undeniable.
In conclusion, Liberty Hall's modern design and its replacement of a historically significant building have contributed to its controversial status in Dublin. Its perceived incompatibility with the city's architectural character has led to widespread dislike, although it continues to hold an important place in Irish labor history.
Note: The bombing on December 1st, 1972, significantly impacted the building's appearance. The blast, which occurred during the Troubles, caused extensive damage, shattering the glass facade. While the building was repaired, the original type of glass was no longer available. The replacement glass, unfortunately, had a different tint and texture, altering the building's aesthetic and arguably diminishing its visual appeal. This is an important point to consider when discussing why people dislike Liberty Hall. The bombing and subsequent alterations to its facade undoubtedly contributed to its perceived unattractiveness. It serves as a reminder of a turbulent period in Irish history and adds another layer to the complex relationship Dubliners have with the building.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE SIPTU TRADE UNION