Centre Pier Galway Harbour Eire, 2009

Our competition entry for a world class facility on the Centre Pier in Galway Harbour reflects both the city's cultural and maritime heritage has been influenced by a number of factors; environmental, historic and genius loci.

The ability for the "Centre Pier" to function all year round, supporting and hosting the many festivals and events of Galway and providing a new dynamic gathering place for the City, is seen as critical to the overall success of the project.

Climate/Environment

The principal and unifying feature of the design is the free standing north light roof structure which provides shelter from the Atlantic weather, acting as a giant umbrella over the centre pier. This roof structure also gives shelter to the main spectator space and stage as well as the external cafe/restaurant areas overlooking the Harbour and Marina.

The roof structure provides solar shading to the exhibition, retail/restaurants and office accommodation, reducing reliance on cooling plant, whilst also converting daylight to electricity.

Historic/City of the Tribes

The architectural expression and forms have been derived from and celebrate the history of Galway. The form of the "Stage" and the smaller marine facilities building represent river stones, being taken from the River Corrib which flows to the South of the site. The rivers original name of "Gaillimhe" from which Galway is derived means stony. The black colouration of these forms is taken from the black pitch hull of the Galway Hooker, whilst the Hookers distinctive sail form, provides inspiration for the diagonally cut North light roof structure.

To celebrate the fourteen families who originated the "City of the Tribes", the architectural form is arranged as fourteen regular bays plus one large bay over the spectator space, supporting the over sailing roof structure. Each of the regular bays is crowned by a screen printed glass "brise soleil". Our initial suggestion was that each of the fourteen glass panels carries a representation of the families' coat of arms with the Galway coat of arms running throughout as a coherent theme. The opportunity exists to involve local artists to provide further ideas and artwork to symbolise the Tribes.

Genius Loci

The whole composition responds to the location of the unique site, taking advantage of the Harbour/Marina setting and the magnificent views out to Galway Bay.

The two "stones" which protrude from under the protective canopy of the roof, form the entrance experience to the whole when approached from Dock Street. Elements are arranged so as to provide a clear view of the Harbour to the North of the Centre Pier, whilst also providing a clear route for vehicles servicing the spectator space and the sites other facilities.

The stage embedded in the larger "stone" and adjacent spectator area take advantage of the widest part of the site to the South East, providing flexible seating or standing for the anticipated audiences of 1000 and 1500 respectively. The drama of the space is enhanced by the high level viewing deck which cuts on the long axis of the dock. This provides both spectator space and extends beyond the line of the roof canopy to form a spectacular viewing point over the Bay, celebrating both the views and entrance to Galway Harbour.

Taking advantage of the Southerly aspect and location of the Marina, the restaurant/cafe/retail elements of the scheme are placed centrally on the pier. The accommodation is set back from the dock edge providing external seating were the ambience of the whole can be enjoyed. Pedestrian access to the edge of the dock has been maintained throughout and consideration should be given to the inclusion of a lifting pedestrian bridge to the 'mouth' of the dock, improving access from the North East of the City.

Functionality

The exhibition space is placed to the North of the pier, forming a dumb bell effect with the spectator area to the Southern end and retail/restaurant/cafe facilities to the centre, ensuring the differing facilities benefit each other.

In order to maximise potential use, the exhibition space is designed as a large volume, being mainly at ground floor with some accommodation at mezzanine level. This mezzanine also concludes the high level route which runs along the axis of the pier. The exhibition centre's footprint is set in from the end of the pier providing an external exhibition space in this prominent position. Large vehicular access to the space is possible over the neck of the pier and passing along the pier in front of the retail/restaurant units.

The vertical circulation serving the offices at first floor is located to the South of this space providing clear identity and entrance. The offices are organised with a central reception/management facility directly off of the lift/stair landing. A shared WC core is also provided. Sub division from 100m2 is possible by the use of the central spine corridor which also gives access to the required escape stairs. Single occupation would also possible.

Environmentally the office floor plate is protected from solar glare by the over sailing roof, whilst the North light form of the roof will provide excellent daylight and natural ventilation in combination with the external glazing.

It is also envisaged that the facilities power, hot water and cooling requirements would largely be provided by utilising nature's forces. The North light roof form is ideal for providing a platform for solar hot water and the generation of electricity through photovoltaic panels. The harbours water can be utilised for both cooling and heating by passing it through a reverse cycle heat pump. A centrally located plant room sandwiched between the restaurant/cafe and office accommodation will serve all functions.

Tourist Information and Marina facilities are located in the two "stones" providing easy access to and from the moored boats and a gateway position for the tourist information office. Public toilets would be located at the centre of the plan and are screened by the office lift core.

Together the range of facilities and attractions reflecting the history and culture of Galway whilst responding to the climate and environment could provide a vibrant and memorable place and new destination for Galway, maximising the future usage and enjoyment of the Centre Pier site.