The Newmarket project is a dialogue with the community; rapid tactical urbanism, where a quick change to the public realm gives residents a chance to reimagine their public space, and provide feedback to inform more permanent future changes.
Newmarket is a purpose built market space laid out by the Earls of Meath in the late 1600s; located in the historic Liberties neighbourhood of Dublin. Little or none of the historic buildings suvive and the area experienced a long period of decline and dereliction for much of the 20th Century. With the Irish economic recovery since 2013 the square has undergone significant redevelopment The once forgotten space is now home to a Whiskey Distillery, high-density apartment schemes, new offices, student accommodation and a hotel.
Áit Urbanism + Landscape were engaged by Dublin City Council to design an interim public realm scheme for the square. As the space was a car-dominated environment, the first move was a rapid-build extension of the footpaths to both sides of the square, narrowing the carriageway to what is necessary, and releasing the south side of the square for people to enjoy.
As the scheme is temporary, raised planters and seating are all modular and movable, giving the chance for reuse elsewhere should a permanent redesign be undertaken. A bold colour scheme using orange as a focal colour gives a vibrancy to the scheme, and refers to contemporary interventions in the surrounding environment.
The modular pieces are grouped at each end of the square creating outdoor living rooms where locals and tourists can gather and relax. Seating is distributed amongst the planting in a social arrangement, with seats at right angles for people conversing face to face. A picnic bench and two sun loungers are playful additions. In between the two seating areas, an area is kept open for future markets and events such as St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas Tree Lighting.
