Client: Dublin City Council
DBFL provided project services for the Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme through Preliminary Design stage (ii) to Handover of Works (v).
The Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme involved the design and phased implementation of a series of public realm improvements projects at Francis St, Dublin 8.
The subject site is located in Dublin City Centre and is a one way street linking the R810 Thomas Street with the R110 Dean Street/The Coombe. It is home to the Tivoli Theatre, the Iveagh Market, St Nicolas of Myra Chapel and it is renowned as being Dublin’s ‘Arts & Antiques Quarter’.
The overall aim of the proposals was to revitalise the existing urban streetscape and enhance the rich cultural history associated with the street.
DBFL and the landscape architect provided detailed proposals for the streetscape; identifying a spatial hierarchy along the street, while ensuring balanced approach to the provision of space for competing uses and facilities, including details of surface materials, street furniture, street lighting, street planting, all fixtures and fittings and general layout of carriageways, pavements, parking, loading areas, road marking and pedestrian crossing etc.
The focus of the scheme was to improve the aesthetic feel of the streetscape with enhancements for mobility, access, lighting, security, as well as increasing the cultural heritage of the area. The majority of the works focused on surface construction with minimal intrusion into the underlying formation.
The design team successfully tackled various complex challenges in this urban infrastructure project. One notable achievement involved the installation of trees in this densely urbanized area. This required meticulous planning to fit the trees around existing services without disrupting them. Additionally, the team prioritized the satisfaction of local businesses along the street during the construction phase, ensuring minimal disruption to their operations. Another significant challenge was navigating around existing underground cellars, some of which extended beneath the footpath. Historic granite kerbs were meticulously catalogued and relaid, preserving their heritage while integrating them into the modern streetscape.
Tree pits and planters are provided along the streetcape which was the best practical solution to providing element of SUDS to the project. Also, improved pedestrian facilities and cycle parking were provided which will encourage sustainable modes of travel to and from the Francis Street area.
Project Director
