2003 U2 Tower DDDA, Dublin 1

NJBA Architects & Urban Designers

3 storey screen
The screen sets up the platform defining this island site. On the northern, western and eastern side of the island the screen opens up to allow access to the main entrance.

Interlocking ellipses
The key concept for the building is the use of interlocking ellipses to form the base of the tower and using part of one as the main tower. This interlocking allows for balconies, and a varied elevation even within the purity of the form.

Tower Element
The tower element is defined by approximately half of one of the ellipses. The curved aspect of the form and its screened elevation reduces the impact of the bulk of the object from all sides. The final arrangement will depend on efficiencies in the use of the floor plate. The most environmentally and functionally vulnerable areas, the North and South end of the plate, are used for circulation and services.

Gardens and performance spaces
We have introduced a number of balconies and roof gardens for the enjoyment of the offices and the nightclub. One particular innovation is the use of a performance space on the southerly roof of the platform. This could be an appropriate extension to the nightclub and its activities as well as a small-scale facility for performance.

Use and Identity
Due to the nature of the building its shape, form and prominence we are advising its use as a singular office location with the nightclub/restaurant at the base. The breakdown of the elements would be as follows. The particular arrangement of the floor plates and staircases allows for a flexible floor plate with minimum disturbance