SCRIPT

- We want to link the airport to the GPO to turn it into a hub of transport.
Currently we have the project MetroLink = example of not taking the environment & existing into
consideration. Just digging to have huge infrastructure under the city.
Yes it allows to travel faster. But do we need to go faster? To spend all that energy/carbon
emissions?
Started this project by proposing extension of LUAS instead/to avoid ML. Greenline planned to be
extended until Finglas in the next years. Continue until airport. Or could create new line to serve city
- Next question where main stop? In front of GPO to accommodate program. On O’Connell or
beneath.
If LUAS and Buses underground, could pedestrianize GPO surroundings, say this is the centre, special
Problem : restructure large portion of O’Co + lot of digging/energy, even if less than ML
→forget this idea.
- Now both LUAS and BUS stops are on surface.
But keep main idea, which is to create this permeable public space to indicate to traveller that’s
where you should stop.
Linking the station to the 1st courtyard with this straight line, continuous platform
As hall = now a semi-external space → people able to see from the street to other side, appeal
enhanced by light contrast
- Program: 2 wings communicate with street →shops on Henry, bicycle racks for long and
short term, letter service of An post
Centre platform: more dedicated to the travellers with waiting areas, tickets and information desks.
Half level: on periphery public amenities communicating with courtyard, restaurant, bookshop,
toilets…
Finally, main focus is not exactly a museum but multipurpose space. Space for exhibition. Bleachers
and a scene for events, talks or latest Belfast movie.
- Intentions are very similar to Busaras, more than station a public realm.
See, it didn’t worked, closed. One of the reason = lack of spatial connections. You don’t see the
theatre so it stops to exist.
- Don’t want a similar theatre burried under the ground. On the contrary → Space is bright +
connected to upper floor thx to lightwells to see + add brightness

- Finally upper story will stay in the tones of the city with grey stones cladding & pavement &
Corten steel
While beneath platform: museum warmer space. Timber + concrete structure (grid),
maybe smoothed red concrete