The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) is Ireland's new world class purpose-built international conference and event venue located in Spencer Dock. The site is a portion of the Spencer Dock Development’s regeneration of the National Railway’s abandoned brown field rail yard bounded by the Royal Canal, North Wall Quay, and Mayor Street. The entrance is from North Wall Quay where vehicles can discharge passengers under a protective canopy. The building’s stunning design includes a unique glass-fronted atrium running the full height of the building which gives visitors panoramic views of the River Liffey, Dublin’s city centre, and the Wicklow mountains.
The CCD offers 22 multi-functional, flexible rooms suitable for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions of all shapes and sizes—from small corporate meetings to international congresses. There are 48,437 s.f. (4,500 s.m.) of exhibition space, a 2,000-seat auditorium, and banquet facilities seating up to 2,000 guests. The entire venue is finished to the highest specifications and incorporates the latest technology throughout. It is designed to attract both international and national conference/exhibition markets. Materials, systems, construction techniques, and maintenance procedures were selected to provide the most sustainable building possible. Exterior and interior materials emphasize the stature of the design, ensure durability, and minimize maintenance for this important public building, clearly distinguishing it as Ireland’s “Convention Centre.”
Recognized as the first carbon neutral convention centre, this contemporary design meets the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Materials, systems, construction techniques, and maintenance procedures were selected to provide the most sustainable building possible. Convenient to several modes of transportation, the CCD is located beside the new ‘LUAS’ tram line with its own station, is minutes from Dublin Port Ferry Terminal, and is only 20 minutes from Dublin Airport.
The program and site required a vertical stacking arrangement. The lobby and circulation foyers are enclosed by a glass atrium which immediately identifies the Centre to visitors. Stairs, escalators, and lifts create an exciting processional moving up through the atrium, enhancing interaction between delegates while providing panoramic views of the city and mountains to south. The foyers support a variety of activities beyond circulation: event registration areas, breakout/discussion spaces, and food/bar service. Temporary exhibitions may be installed within the foyers increasing delegate participation and interest. The lobby and foyers may also serve as venues for informal concerts. The public will be encouraged to enter the ground level lobby to experience the atrium, view temporary exhibitions and art exhibits, or review an electronic display of upcoming events. Exhibition/banquet halls, meeting rooms, administration, the auditorium, and support facilities are all located on the floors above.
The Centre’s architecture is a reflection of the programmed internal functions and the site. Exterior walls are clad with stone. The atrium glazing system is stepped and consists of stainless steel framing and high-performance, curved, laminated glass with a low-E coating. Continuous LED lights cap the east-west stone wall panels and at each step in the atrium—identifying the building as a major venue in the city.
