AtkinsRéalis Landscape as a part of the team lead by Cork based architects Car Cotter and Naessens won a design competition for the new Dun Laoghaire Central Library Headquarters & Cultural Centre.

The site occupies a strategic location between the Dun Laoghaire town and the harbour. The project represented a significant opportunity to knit back the structure of the urban precinct to the sea. The landscape strategy:

-responds to the characteristics of the existing park,

-aims to integrate the proposed building form and the park to form a new urban ensemble,

-reinforces the existing circulation pattern around the park and

-creates a promenade with variety of levels and landscape experiences providing an interesting experience to the stroller.

-includes a water feature, which takes up a 1.5m change of level and is full of movement and interest. The central island provides ventilation for the car park, which is obscured by bamboo groves.

East of the pond a gently stepped concourse provides a dramatic ascent to the up to the cultural centre. Paving to the more formal areas is granite slabs and sets while resin bonded gravel is used for informal paths under the trees.

The existing bowling green is retained and a grove of maple trees planted on the seaward side of shelters and encloses the space. The space to the south is landscaped with lavender and rosemary beds and defined with timber seats.

The DLR Lexicon is now open the public.

Client: DLR CoCo

Status: Complete