This evening marks the first performance at Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre, with a performance of the Russian State Ballet’s Swan Lake.
The 2,100 seat, five storey venue was designed for developers Chartered Land/Ramford, Harry Crosbie Properties and Live Nation Ireland by New York-based architect Daniel Libeskind – winners of an architectural design competition on this project. Their work has been supported by McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects, Dublin, and Arts Team, London. The theatre is managed by Live Nation Ireland, part of Live Nation International, the world’s largest entertainment group.
Mr. Libeskind explains “Dublin is a city resurrected over the last 10 years and it’s just breathtaking what has happened. It has been transformed from an ancient city to one that is vibrant - it’s youthful, it’s exciting, it’s dynamic. I believe that’s what architecture can do for a city, and cultural institutions such as the Grand Canal Square Theatre will just add to that incredible atmosphere.”
Arup provided design for the auditorium acoustics, stage design and technical theatre facilities – allowing flexibility to accommodate large-scale touring ballet, musical and opera productions.
Rob Harris, head of Arup’s arts and culture business in the UK and Middle East comments, “It’s thrilling to see the opening of Dublin’s new theatre for major touring productions. We’ve worked closely with the global team involved to marry the iconic architectural designs with the functional requirements of a state-of-the-art touring theatre, and practical constraints of a tight site and demanding three-year programme.
“The design of the room integrates the acoustic requirements with the striking architectural concept, providing a blend of sound reflecting and sound transparent surfaces, embellishing the sound clarity whilst maximising the acoustic volume.“
The theatre’s design and construction was completed within just three years. Its striking angular design and red glazed paving mimic a red carpet to its door, setting the theatre as the focal point of commercial and residential development on Dublin harbour.
The striking stainless steel theatre design dramatically opens like a stage onto the 3,000m2 Grand Canal Square. Red paving mimics a red carpet leading from the water at the canal dock to the theatre entrance. The glazed walls seemingly fold to reveal the various levels of the theatre foyers where the audience will gather and animate the bars and gallery levels.
Arup’s multidisciplinary team provided services including acoustic design, technical theatre systems and civil, structural, building services and traffic engineering.