Counter-axis

A counter-axis is proposed to the busy motorway that divides Ballymun in two. This traversing counter-axis, an inhabited bridge of 15 artists’ studios, stitches two large parks together to form an elevated promenade. This counter-axis penetrates a new public room, housing various art spaces. The boilerhouse chimney is retained as a beacon for this new public room. In situ concrete cores accessible from the elevated promenade provide access to and support an inhabited roof of deep Vierendeel beams offering a variety of public and private accommodations. The 40 dwelling units provide a critical mass of population to support a sustainable community. Suburban community as opposed to suburban individuality is sought, allowing residents of both existing and proposed communities to enjoy a variety of public, semi-public and private spaces.