The Sean O'Casey Community Centre - O'Donnell Tuorney Architects (2009)
The new Sean O'Casey Community Centre on St Mary's Road, East Wall, Docklands was officially opened on Friday 6th February 2009 by Bertie Ahern, TD. following a complete rebuild and extension. The €9 million investment was part-funded by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
Designed by O'Donnell + Tuomey architects, the dramatic 2,000 square metre building houses four main facilities - a crèche; day care facilities for the elderly; a 153 seater theatre and a sports hall. These individual elements are open into a series of internal courtyards in a cloister type layout. The signature five storey tower with its distinctive porthole windows gives East Wall its own piece of physical regeneration. Visible from other areas of the city it houses meeting rooms, adult education class rooms and offices. Outside there is an all weather soccer pitch.
Landscaping plays an important role in the creation of the pleasing atmosphere in the centre. The building is surrounded on three sides with a moat of grass and trees, while interior gardens of miniature woodlands planted with oak, birch and hazel diagonally link the interior sections.
For more information contact The Dublin Docklands Authority on 01 8183300