Chocolate Park, Dublin, IRL
New Park In Dublin's Silicon Dock - Chocolate Park
Located in a former lignite area, Chocolate Park has been designed as a multi-purpose green space in the high density of Dublin's new 'Silicon Dock' heart. A rectilinear green lawn (above a parking garage) forms the backdrop for the new playground: the tap, which hangs above the park. The crane refers to the history of the port area, hangs over the south side of the park and forms a fully enclosed adventure space for children ages 10 and up 3 until 10 year. The north side of the park receives full sun and is finished with a polished concrete pavement. This section forms a multifunctional seating, change- and gathering space (located next to a cafe and local market). Paths cross a flower garden where there is also seating. Perennial grasses, bulbs and flowers provide a colorful variety here all year round and enrich the terrace with the park lawn. The level of the park is slightly higher than the surrounding streets and it is enclosed by a broad border of 'Kilkeny Limestone', which marks the boundary of the new city park.
The park is very flexible and can be adapted to various future activities, as agreed with stakeholders and the City Council. Play equipment is provided in the crane and the large lawn can be used for activities that do not affect the quality of the grass: the lounge, meeting, picnic or kick a ball with children. The terraced area can be used for temporary events such as a small market or a concert. The crane can also function as an event center for open-air cinemas, markets or exhibitions. The colorful green spaces between the terrace and the lawn can be partly adapted to the demand of local enthusiasts to practice urban agriculture or as a school garden for children. We also hope that a WiFi hotspot can be installed in the park to meet all wishes.
Dublin City Council selected REDscape for the Chocolate Park design in Dublin's Grand Canal district nicknamed “Silicon Dock”, a popular location for high-tech multinationals such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn an Airbnb. Adjacent to Benson Street, a storage facility for Butler's chocolate was previously housed and the park adopted its name: Chocolate Park. The area, surrounded by offices and residential blocks of flats will be cleared to make way for the new city park.
REDscape organized and managed the development of the master plan and park design.
The innovative solution emerged from discussions with the residents: bundling of functions, with which the greatest return can be obtained from the modest surface area of the park. REDscape led the process with interactive workshops for the residents and stakeholders and developed with them a program for a multifunctional green space with an interesting mix of activities. New users of the park insisted on an innovative, flexible and attractive design for families and efficient use of public space, as absolute conditions for developments in Silicon Dock's high building density.
Client: Dublin City Council
Team: Patrick Mc Cabe, David Habets, Antoine Fourrier
Status: Completed