Architecture, Urbanism and Symbolism

It is as the jury recognised, "a primary element, a freed point in the urban dynamic" (Rossi), although Rossi's ideal in this sense, was not contemplated at the time of developing the concept.

Having been given the opportunity to further investigate architecture, planning, function, environment and technical factors we are certain of the validity of our earlier submission.

The concept presented at the first stage of the competition has not been changed but has been refined, synthesising the results of the technical analysis of the lighting, structural and manufacturing engineering, erection and maintenance.

Light is fundamental to the concept. The surface qualities of the stainless steel have been explored and we have concluded that a prepared surface which is subsequently shot peened will achieve the subtle reflections of the surrounding streetscape and skies during the day and night.

To enhance the interactive qualities between people and the monument the first three to four metres will be slightly more reflective than the rest of the cone, enhancing the reflections of both people and the movement of mercury on the curved surface.

The proportions of the cone have been studied in the context of the surrounding streets. These studies together with written confirmation from the Irish Aviation Authoritv have confirmed the height and proportion of the original proposal.
We do not wish to attribute in writing what we feel is the contribution to the urban setting since the visual representation will do more justice to this.
The earlier suggestion that we made of the potential for adding sculpted figures around the base of the monument in order to provide a human scale is not something we feel is totally appropriate. We have given much consideration to this aspect.

"The reflections of people in the monument and their movement imbues the monument with humanity"

"The monument should be accompanied by abstract figures in black Kilkenny marble, embellished by stainless steel, as in the folds of a cloak, the bend of a knee doubling as a seat, or just the shiver of a glance. To draw and grow from the mercury and black marble base, shaping in an abstract from, but form with a human spirit."

We sympathise with the former viewm but at the same time recognise that any seating near the monument should have a very strong empathy with it.

The surface of the monument will take fingermarks and kisses. 11 should, and be cleaned periodically. Remediation can be carried out in situ (both repolishing and re-shot peening) should more serious markings or scratching occur.

The monument must rise above O'Connell Street, breaking out above the roof line with as narrow and as elegant a movement as technically possible, to have its roots within the ground and its light in the sky above.

The Kilkenny marble, a gentle. soft stone with its face polished and clean, is selected for its renowned deep solid blackness, as black as ink, into which life has been both encrusted and preserved, the crystalline fossils of lreland's past.

The mercury, with its density, fluidity and reflective qualities contrasts with the black stone of Kilkenny, but most significant is its ability to separate and to regroup, to symbolise the people of Dublin and Ireland flowing, responding to movement and pressure with and by the people, to separate, to return and to fuse together as one, as with the Diaspora.