Premature Demolitions

JupiterKid · 24-02-2019 11:26PM #1

So, we built many awful, nondescript, brutalist office blocks and apartment buildings in the 20th century. Many of them are now being demolished and redeveloped for newer buildings. But not all of them were bad.

But are the replacements really any better than the edifices they are being replaced by? I personally would wonder...

Anyone have any examples of late 20th century buildings that should be preserved? Any buildings that have already vanished that should have been kept?

mad muffin · 24-02-2019 11:31PM

lidl tallaght

the_syco · 24-02-2019 11:42PM

Berties_Horse wrote: »

The Spire should be vanished.

Replace it with something like Nelsons Pillar; something tall, but useful.

super_furry · 24-02-2019 11:42PM

I like the Spire. It's nice and long.

JupiterKid · 24-02-2019 11:45PM

This office block, in Beggars Bush in Dublin 4, is set for the wrecking ball. It was built in 1985. Should it stay or go?

super_furry · 24-02-2019 11:46PM

Don't see any architectural significance. It puts me in mind of the opening of The Office (English one).

Charles Babbage · 24-02-2019 11:50PM

super_furry wrote: »

Don't see any architectural significance. It puts me in mind of the opening of The Office (English one).

However, it is far from the ugliest building of the 20th century in Dublin.

tigerboon · 24-02-2019 11:50PM

In fairness, there isn't much "architecture " in that one

Pythagorean · 24-02-2019 11:57PM

Charles Babbage wrote: »

However, it is far from the ugliest building of the 20th century in Dublin.

Agreed, it seems an appalling waste of resources to demolish such a recent building

corner of hells · 24-02-2019 11:59PM

the_syco wrote: »

Replace it with something like Nelsons Pillar; something tall, but useful.

No , replace it with maybe a water feature with a figure in it.

Pythagorean · 25-02-2019 12:01AM

This week, the Stella cinema in Mount Merrion bit the dust. Opened in 1955, the 1000 seat cinema showed its last film in 1976. Sic transit Gloria mundi.

super_furry · 25-02-2019 12:08AM

Pythagorean wrote: »

This week, the Stella cinema in Mount Merrion bit the dust. Opened in 1955, the 1000 seat cinema showed its last film in 1976. Sic transit Gloria mundi.

Doing well to keep it around for 43 years if it hadn't functioned as a cinema since then.

Honestly don't think there was anything special about it that would have warranted a protected status.

Pythagorean · 25-02-2019 12:15AM

super_furry wrote: »

Doing well to keep it around for 43 years if it hadn't functioned as a cinema since then.

Honestly don't think there was anything special about it that would have warranted a protected status.

It was used as a furniture store until recently. Agreed, no particular architectural value, but these suburban cinemas are nearly all gone now. It will be replaced by yet another block of apartments.

Skylinehead · 25-02-2019 12:33AM

Pythagorean wrote: »

It was used as a furniture store until recently. Agreed, no particular architectural value, but these suburban cinemas are nearly all gone now. It will be replaced by yet another block of apartments.

Apartments that we desperately need.

whisky_galore · 25-02-2019 08:20AM

super_furry wrote: »

Doing well to keep it around for 43 years if it hadn't functioned as a cinema since then.

Honestly don't think there was anything special about it that would have warranted a protected status.

I quite like the front block, I don't know why that can't be adapted and retained in a new development. Probably laziness and the eternal it costs too much excuse. Tbf protected status doesn't count for much anyway if someone is hell bent on demolition. Probably getting 'accidentally' burnt down by forces unknown to hurry the process.

Guy:Incognito · 25-02-2019 08:35AM

If people want to save buildings they are welcome to buy them.and do what they please with them.

It's all well and good deciding stuff should be incorporated or listed and saved when it's someone else's money being used

Wheeliebin30 · 25-02-2019 09:27AM

The capital dock in the ifsc could do with demolishing and been brought into the 21st century.

orourkeda1977 · 25-02-2019 11:19AM

More titty bars

Church on Tuesday · 25-02-2019 07:54PM

the_syco wrote: »

Replace it with something like Nelsons Pillar; something tall, but useful.

And imperial.

Guy:Incognito · 25-02-2019 07:56PM

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

And imperial.

This is the 21st century. We use metric now

salmocab · 25-02-2019 08:00PM

whisky_galore wrote: »

I quite like the front block, I don't know why that can't be adapted and retained in a new development. Probably laziness and the eternal it costs too much excuse. Tbf protected status doesn't count for much anyway if someone is hell bent on demolition. Probably getting 'accidentally' burnt down by forces unknown to hurry the process.

The front is quite nice Art Deco I think, was in it last summer and it’s a nice facade but the rest of the building ugly as sin, there was a car park to the side that showed it all in its lack of glory. The front would make a nice enterance for an apartment block.

Effects · 25-02-2019 08:22PM

Nixonbot wrote: »

Apartments that we desperately need.

But that most people can't afford to buy as they'll be an outrageous price.

25-02-2019 08:43PM

There are very few "iconic" buildings in Dublin/throughout the country that were built in the mid -late 20th century that are worth preserving now. (I'm assuming 50's, 60's, 70's OP. )

Many from the 20's, 30's should be preserved though - like this one in Grafton st..

Also a lot of cinemas from that time look well or at least would look well if they were done up- but it's all about the money.

In terms of 60's buildings, maybe 46 Marlborough street is worth keeping as one of the better examples of modern architecture - could clean up nicely- that's if it isn't already knocked down?

wakka12 · 25-02-2019 08:54PM

I always disliked that one at the top of grafton street. Looks so dingy. Well maybe the Bus stop logo doesnt help. But still, I think given how prominent it's location is within the city it should be a nicer looking building

25-02-2019 09:09PM

wakka12 wrote: »

I always disliked that one at the top of grafton street. Looks so dingy. Well maybe the Bus stop logo doesnt help. But still, I think given how prominent it's location is within the city it should be a nicer looking building

It could do with a good clean up alright but since the ground floors of all these buildings are just modern facades, it's hard to see the beauty as we rarely look up. "the Canada Life building" half way down Grafton st is another lovely building from the 20th century (possibly 1930's as well?- maybe some historical buffs can provide more information.

Pythagorean · 25-02-2019 10:34PM

Effects wrote: »

But that most people can't afford to buy as they'll be an outrageous price.

A lot of these apartment blocks are bought " off the plans" by international investment consortiums, and then rented out to the natives. Another caveat is the standard of some of these developments in the past, eg fire safety, etc.

JupiterKid · 01-03-2019 04:28AM

The Setanta Centre, Nassau St., Dublin. Built in 1975 and containing the most expensive public car park in Dublin, beef baron Larry Goodman plans to demolish and redevelop the complex.

Will you lament its probable passing? Recently Fitzwilton House (1969) by Leeson St bridge was demolished for a redevelopment and many more 1960s and 1970s office blocks are set to be replaced. But are the replacements all that better in quality to the structures they are replacing?

And are there any mid to late 20th century buildings you would like to see preserved?

Skylinehead · 01-03-2019 04:33PM

Effects wrote: »

But that most people can't afford to buy as they'll be an outrageous price.

More apartments = bigger supply = less cost.

the_syco · 02-03-2019 08:11PM

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

And imperial.

The Spire is metric. 121 meters, to be exact. Not much use. At least Nelsons pillar had a purpose; you go up the steps, and have a look around.

OldMrBrennan83 · 02-03-2019 08:12PM

the_syco wrote: »

Replace it with something like Nelsons Pillar; something tall, but useful.

The only argument to be made for that would be so it could be blown up all over again.

Conall Cernach · 02-03-2019 08:38PM

OldMrBrennan83 wrote: »

The only argument to be made for that would be so it could be blown up all over again.

You could have Pearse or Tone or Emmett on it instead though.

Premature Demolitions

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