Like so many ideas, Archeire started after some late nights and a trip to the pub. I was completing an MA in History of Art and Design and printing the thesis. While waiting on the three copies to be printed at work after hours, I was surfing the net. This was May 1996 and there wasn't a whole lot to be seen. After repeatedly searching for something on Irish Architecture, I just gave up, with no results. A couple of nights later, I remarked upon this to my boss who suggested I do something about it. So I went off and taught myself HTML and built a small website about Busaras on Geocities. I then came up with the idea of an architectural guide to the city of Dublin, which I started to build. I had in mind a finite site, but almost 4 years later I'm still adding to it. Around this time I met an American architect living here, who was designing the Architectural Association of Ireland website and we decided to 'merge' the sites onto a common domain name and Archeire was born.

The main aims of the site are really to promote Irish architecture both at home and abroad, to architects and non-architects alike, and to build up a community where architectural issues can be discussed and questions asked.

Has the online architecture community grown over the years? Is there a lot of international interest in Irish architecture?

Outside of Archeire, there are quite a few small sites, mostly belonging to architectural practices. One small 'independent' site that comes to mind is Art Deco Ireland, just focusing on art Deco architecture in Ireland. I do find that Archeire gets a lot of International traffic, and I receive a lot of email queries from abroad, ranging from the "I would like to build a traditional Irish thatched cottage in Oregon" to students querying the success of the new Smithfield Plaza.

How is Irish Architectural design seen outside Ireland? Are there any modern Irish architects on the world stage?

I think that any of the architects involved in the regeneration of Temple Bar received a lot of good press internationally and deservedly so. Smithfield Plaza design by McGarry NiEanaigh of Drogheda recently won an International award fro civic space. Currently there are a lot of good young architectural practices in Ireland, and as for a world stage; they are of a world class standard, but as regards becoming a signature architect firm, that remains to be seen. It is not always a good thing to have one firm universally recognised to the detriment of others as it stifles variety, as most large commissions would automatically be offered to such a firm. I think that the range of small, young practices operating today has seldom being bettered in Ireland.

What have been some of the hot topics over the last six months on the Archeire boards?

The threads that have really ignited the passions have been Archer's Garage, Smithfield Plaza, and the standard of education in Bolton Street Architecture course.

What was the reaction from the architecture community to the recent destruction of Archers garage in Dublin?

Almost universal outrage although the traditional outlets such as the RIAI and the AAI were a little slow to complain. It was a good example of the power of the Internet pulling the diverse strands together to create one voice of complaint. Over a thousand people used the form on Archeire to complain to the corporation. Also the use of guerilla tactics in using the com of the company involved to host a site against the demolition was particularly effective in gaining attention for the cause. The building has still not been replaced and the recent decision not to award planning permission to the office block for the remainder of the site will undoubtedly slow the whole process down. In my own opinion, I think that this may have to go to court yet.

Is Dublin in danger of losing much of its identity through new developments and planning law breaches?

Personally I think Dublin lost that in the 1960s and 70s. Most new architect led developments are very respectful of the streetscape, old routes of right of way and the use of materials. Some of the earlier developments like Setanta House on Nassau Street were just dropped in removing all traces of previous history and development. Another good example of this is the Central Bank (a building that I like) but which removed an entire street - Fownes Court so the site would be large enough. Up until the 1950s, the city had a warren of little laneways and streets which are now gone. The planning mania for dual carriageways in the 1980s did little to help the character of the city either.

Do you think the final design choice for the Dublin O'Connell street monument was the right one?

Yes, many of the rest of the entries were of our time, and would have looked very dated in a few years. Monuments designed to last have to have a classic simplicity and the 'spike' has this. It is a simple elegant solution without all the gaudiness of many of the entries or the obvious religious symbols of many. It is also neither militaristic, nor republican; it is an elegant neutral design that will hopefully come to symbolise the multi-racial and cosmopolitan city that we would like Dublin to become.

The recent proposals for the development of the Spenser Dock in Dublin met with strong opposition from many quarters, do you feel the opposition was justified?

This is a clear example of the danger with big-name architects, you may not get a great building, but you will get a famous building and the two are not always the same. I personally like the scale of the project, a real down town' for Dublin but the design of the conference center was average and the office accommodation had simply not being designed yet, a fact that people forget about, any elevations shown for those buildings was indicative. Personally I would love to see Kevin Roche design a great building for Dublin, but this was not a great building. My main worry is that community protest is now going to stop Dublin getting the buildings and developments it deserves. The Calatrava bridges are in doubt because of protests like this.

How would you like to see Dublin develop architecturally over years ahead? Should Dublin be learning from the development of other European cities for examples of how to design or not design successfully?

Obviously yes, so many European cities had to rebuild after the Second World War and they still retain their character. I think Dublin has followed the path of cities in the UK in the past where entire city centres have been decimated by modern development. The example of those cities in mainland Europe is a better path to follow. Again there is a danger in the "if they have it, we must have it" approach.

The Architectural Dublin area of the website looks to Dublins architectural past - What buildings for you still stand out for their design and impact?

One that I've always admired is the South City Markets on Great Georges Street; a building that has so much potential and is currently undervalued. The reinstatement of the second mall from Fade Street to Exchequer Street would give the building so much lift and open it up for more shops and stalls.

The recently restored City Hal has to be my choice for an 18th century building, the drama of its siting on the Parliament Street - Capel Street axis and its magnificent interior make it a building to wander into from the street and simply enjoy the space.

The twentieth century has so much to offer in Dublin buildings, the original airport terminal, Busaras and the former Carroll's building on Grand Parade are all buildings you'd expect toi see mentioned on such a list. But I also like the Gas building on D'Olier Street as well as the Department of Industry and Commerce on Kildare Street.

And in a modern context what are some of the exciting buildings that have recently been designed?

I think that the Irish pavilion by Murray O'Laoire for Hamburg is up there with some of the best architecture of the moment. It's a pity that it hasn't been built in Ireland as a permanent structure. Also the news extension to the Crawford Gallery in Cork by EEA Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects is a fine exciting building. Although not designed by an Irish firm, it is refreshing to see organisations outside of Dublin opting for exciting architecture. The Vinegar Hill monument in Wexford by Scott Tallon Walker, although not a building in the traditional sense is a fine series of spaces giving glimpses of the surrounding the countryside.

What are your future hopes for the Archeire website?

A way to make some money from it. Seriously I think future developments and new sections that are planned including fortnightly articles will increase the traffic and hopefully its reach and reputation. In an ideal world, Archeire would become a weekly magazine with substantial; new features every week, but sometimes it can prove difficult top get architects to supply information rapidly. In addition to being the hub for the Irish architectural community, I'd like to see our forum on world architecture develop into a discussion point for those outside Ireland to talk about world developments.

Visit Archeire at:
www.archeire.com

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