Ian Ritchie design selected for new crossing over the river Liffey
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have announced the results of the competition to design a new commemorative bridge at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Dublin. Ian Ritchie Architects were chosen as the winners, with a design described by the judges as “a simple and elegant way of stepping from one side of the Liffey to the other. A slender blade of stainless steel leaps from the reeds and rushes to cross over the river.” Based in London, this is Ian Ritchie’s second major competition win in Ireland, having previously designed the Spire of Dublin to mark the Millennium.
The Islandbridge bridge design competition was launched in November 2018, with submissions received from 61 architectural practices from nine countries. This contest is the first step in realising an important new crossing point, linking sections of Dublin’s walking, cycling and military trails across the Liffey and extending links from Kilmainham, to the Phoenix Park and further afield. The location was first proposed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, whose original design for the memorial gardens included a three-arched bridge which was never constructed. The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who gave their lives in the Great War.
When announcing the result, Kathryn Meghen, RIAI CEO, said: “Good design creates public spaces that enrich our built environment. The quality of entries received for the Islandbridge competition was exceptionally high and demonstrates the value that architects bring to our cities. This bridge will be an iconic structure in a much-loved memorial space; it will complete the great vision of Sir Edwin Lutyens and will be there for Dubliners and others to enjoy for many years. I would like to commend all of the architects who submitted designs. Architectural competitions are a demonstration of the profession’s commitment to innovate and deliver new solutions for the public good.”
Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research
This competition was first published by TenderStream on 20.11.2018 here
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