Ireland
their shields and post-top braziers, delineate the
site from the western boundary and have provided
a recognisable and highly significant feature in the
skyline.
The designer also considered the geographical and
social relevance of the choice of this economically
poorer northern area of the city as the site for a mil-
lennium redevelopment.
Design development
Prior to implementation of the surface redevelop-
ment, it was necessary to install major infrastruc-
ture, including an enormous storm-water drain.
Two types of paving material were chosen for the
scheme. Basalt and granite setts were already
present on site and the largest possible number
were recycled. The choice of the additional material,
smoother and larger 600 x 600mm granite slabs,
was to allow easier universal access across the site.
They were used for the pedestrian routes, across
the pavements, roads and within the central area.
The designer wished to use larger 1200 x 600mm
slabs, but for budgetary reasons the size had to be
reduced to 600 x 600mm. In areas of vehicle access
these slabs are 100mm in depth. The carriageway is
of light granite, which originates in China and was
sourced for this scheme. The edge stones adjacent
to the carriageway which form the kerb are 275mm
in depth.
During the construction process, the working area
was very constricted as local businesses claimed
ancient trading rights and therefore access routes,
and the timing of construction were limited.
The construction of the area of setts has a geotex-
tile sheet below broken stone and 200mm concrete
on a 50mm semi-dry sand and cement bed. This is
pointed in the same material. This mortar absorbs
2.6
Pedestrian routes using the larger, smoother slabs
