Architectural Concept - The building concept was derived simply from the idea of using the site geometry as an invariant and impressive compositional tool. This is in turn predetermines the architectural language and syntax of the proposal.

The building consists of a slim rectangular point block above the platform of four floors inscribed within the trapezoid form of the building lines leaving two sharp angled wings either sides which were utilised firstly for the balconies and secondly represent a strong compositional feature elements 'hookers' depicting typical marine skyline. An important consideration was given to the positioning of the point block in relation to the Quays and its proximity to the waterside and the nearby-protected structure. The 5m setback from the front boundary minimises its visual impact at front plane creating also a 1st floor café terrace, which complements the campshire area.

Building structure - The 2.5 m modular grid was chosen for the entire structure as a generic system which is technically advantageous for combining of the variety of functional uses in one building i.e. 2,5m width for car parking, 5m width for the apartment and 7.5m for the office space planning. This also will allow standardising the structural (steel) elements fabrication and easy installation meeting the criteria of practical and economical construction.
The technical merit of the chosen modular system will allow for flexibility for further conversions and transformations of the floors into other functional use e.g. hotel, residential, etc.

Basement Floor car park - Car access to the site is organised from Britain Quay and parking is located at basement level providing 65cps by using a triple decking (P310 system) requiring only 3.45m heights in the aisles and 1,75m pits along the parking spaces. Alternatively more conventional car parking methods could be used providing 25cps or 50 cps with a double stacking system if preferred.

Ground and 1st floors /Café, Restaurant, Bar, Nightclub - Ground floor (5m high) and 1st floor (4.5m high) contain café/ bar, nightclub and café/ restaurant respectively. The café at the front has two levels connected with the internal staircase; alternatively this could be integrated with the restaurant on 1st floor. The pub/night club is also designed with two levels connected by large internal staircase.

2nd and 3rd floors /Commercial - Office floors with 5,0m and 7,5m structural grid and 3.5m height will provide the best opportunities for A class commercial office space planning. They are served with three lifts and staircases (two from the main entrance) accessed from the entrance lobby/reception at ground floor on Britain Quay and from the basement car park.

4th - 14th floors / Residential - The residential floors with 505m2 gross area are split between mix of 5 apartments consisting of two-3 beds, two-2 beds and one-1bed apartment units. All the apartments have double aspect views (except the 1 bed apartments facing south side) with private open spaces/balconies with spectacular views. The proposed modular grid will easily allow for conversion or transformation of the floor/apartment layouts with the potential of generating other possible options e.g. four-2beds and two-1beds or two-2beds and three-1beds etc. better to suit the market demand and the progressive demographics.

15th - 16th top floors /U2 studio - The two top floors 14th and 15th are housing a recording U2 studio space with heights of respectively 5.5 m and 4.0 m providing penetration natural light and breathtaking views to all sides of the sea panorama. The sea view can also be enjoyed while using the proposed discrete large size panoramic lift rising from the basement level up to the roof terraces and the roof level.
The studio has a floor area of 560 m2 net / 600ft2 gross on the top floors excluding lifts, staircases and planting equipment with private terraces and roof gardens at each level.

Open Space and Amenities - In addition to the recessed building line parallel to the mouth of the Grand Canal Dock and Dodder at ground and first floor level to achieve an 8 metre wide pedestrian amenity route along the water's edge, the camp shire area along the Liffey the proposal also suggests a private open space in the form of large landscaped terrace on 4th floor roof level at south side as an important residential component and 5m deep 1st floor café terrace which will significantly improve and contribute to he amenity level of the development and its surrounding environment.

Summary
The building complies with the sustainable, social and economic regeneration criteria of the Dublin Docklands Area DDDA Master Plan and the Grand Canal Dock Planning Scheme, 2000. It responds to its surrounding high quality urban environment and waterside context with world-class amenities. It represents an outstanding architectural statement that will revitalise and increase the quality of public and private open spaces of the surrounding area. It's landmark qualities by virtue of this critically located site will make the building act as a beacon/gatepost for Dublin and contribute to shaping the cityscape of the Dockland area.

It is a beautiful day…