Infomatique

MEN AT WORK REPAINTING THE KODAK BUILDING

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 21 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Kodak Building, an iconic landmark in Rathmines, Dublin, stands as a testament to the Art Deco architectural style. Constructed in 1932, it was designed by the renowned Irish architectural firm, Donnelly, Moore, and Keatinge.

Initially, the building served as both a factory and warehouse for Kodak Ireland, reflecting the company’s prominence in the photography industry at the time. Its striking design, featuring a distinctive tower and horizontal steel windows embedded in concrete walls, aimed to present a modern and sophisticated image for the company.

Kodak’s operations in the building ceased in the late 20th century, marking a shift in the company’s global strategy and the evolving landscape of the photography industry. Following its closure as a Kodak facility, the building underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 1998, led by Paul Keogh Architects. This transformation repurposed the space into modern office accommodation, breathing new life into the historic structure.

Today, the Kodak Building remains a sought-after commercial address, housing various businesses, including an advertising agency. Its ownership has likely changed hands over the years, but specific details about the current owner are not be publicly available.

THE MERCANTILE HOTEL ON DAME STREET

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

HAS BEEN EXTENDED BUT IT IS STILL A WIP

The Mercantile Hotel on Dame Street, while currently undergoing a significant redevelopment and refurbishment, is owned and will be operated by the Mercantile Group. This project involves the amalgamation of the existing Mercantile Hotel with the adjacent Dame House, expanding its capacity and offerings.

Prior to this redevelopment, the site consisted of the original Mercantile Hotel and the Dame House, which was an office building. The project aims to create a larger, more modern hotel with additional rooms, dining, and bar facilities.

The proliferation of hotel construction in Dublin’s city centre, particularly in areas like Dublin 1, 2, and 7, can be attributed to several factors:

Tourism boom: Dublin has experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals in recent years. This has created a high demand for accommodation, driving hotel development.
Economic growth: Ireland’s strong economic performance has led to an increase in business travel, further fuelling the need for hotel rooms.
Limited supply: The existing hotel stock in the city centre was struggling to meet the growing demand, creating opportunities for new developments.
Attractive investment: The hotel sector is viewed as a lucrative investment opportunity, attracting both domestic and international investors.

Rick’s Burgers was indeed a late-night spot located at the corner of Dame Street and George’s Street. While it wasn’t technically part of Dame House, it occupied a space within the same building complex. The redevelopment plans for the Mercantile Hotel involved incorporating the Dame House building, which unfortunately meant the closure of Rick’s Burgers in late 2020.

KENSINGTON LODGE

September 22, 2024 by infomatique

GROVE PARK OFF LOWER RATHMINES ROAD

Kensington Lodge, located on Grove Park in Rathmines, Dublin, is quite a notable building. Here are some interesting points about it:

Architectural Significance: Built in 1882, it’s a beautiful example of Queen Anne-style architecture, designed by William Isaac Chambers for himself. It’s particularly recognised for its early use of terracotta mouldings in Dublin, a detail that was highlighted in press coverage at the time.

Historical Context: It was built on the Grove Park estate, which was being developed at the time into building sites. Its construction showcases a period of architectural innovation and experimentation in Dublin.

Present Day: It remains a striking landmark on Grove Park, admired by locals and passersby.

While it’s a private residence, its exterior is a testament to Dublin’s rich architectural heritage. If you’re ever in Rathmines, it’s worth taking a detour down Grove Park to appreciate Kensington Lodge’s unique charm and historical significance.

IS THIS A NEW COFFEE SHOP AT THE GRANGEGORMAN GATE

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

BROADSTONE PLAZA AND LUAS TRAM STOP

When I arrived at the LUAS tram Stop at Broadstone I noticed a crew of people installing what appeared to be a coffee kiosk or diner.

Broadstone is one of three neighbourhood’s that together form the modern-day Phibsboro area in Dublin, Ireland. Situated furthest south among these, it starts just two kilometers north of the Father Mathew Bridge at Ormond Quay. The area is triangular in shape, bordered by Phibsborough Road and Constitution Hill on the west, North Circular Road on the north, and Dorset Street and Bolton Street on the southeast. Its postal code is Dublin 7.

The Grangegorman Gate, built as part of the Luas Cross City project, serves as a vital entrance to the Grangegorman University campus. This completed public plaza now significantly connects Grangegorman to the heart of Dublin. It’s located off Constitution Hill where the old Royal Canal once was, at the site of the former Great Western Railway Station (commonly called Broadstone), and is now a major gateway to the Grangegorman urban quarter.

The Broadstone area, bordering Grangegorman on its east, underwent a Part VIII planning process in 2014 to enable site development and gate access.

The Grangegorman Masterplan envisions the main urban path through Grangegorman, St Brendan’s Way, connecting with the Broadstone Gate, ultimately reaching Prussia Street. This Broadstone link can also be viewed as an extension of Dublin’s historic 18th-century core, which stretched from Dublin Castle across Grattan Bridge, along Capel Street/Bolton Street, to Henrietta Street and King’s Inn.

THE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING LOWER GRANGEGORMAN

September 11, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Clock Tower Building, Grangegorman: A Storied Past, A Promising Future

History

Construction and Original Purpose: The Clock Tower building, designed by the renowned architect Francis Johnston, was completed in 1816. It was initially intended to serve as the Richmond Penitentiary, reflecting the then-prevalent architectural style of penitentiaries in Britain and Ireland.

Evolving Roles: Despite its initial purpose, the building’s function shifted multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

1818: Briefly repurposed as a Fever Hospital.
1820-1831: Operated as a prison, housing both male and female inmates.
1832-1834: Converted into a Cholera Hospital during an outbreak.
1836-1874: Became the first exclusively female penitentiary in the UK and Ireland, also serving as a transportation depot for women and girls awaiting transportation to Tasmania.
Post-1874: Due to overcrowding in other prisons, the north wing once again housed male prisoners.
Late 20th Century: The building was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Recent Developments

Stabilisation and Refurbishment:
2013: A conservation and condition report was published, outlining necessary works.
2014: Initial stabilisation and partial refurbishment works began to safeguard the building’s historic fabric.
2016: Additional works, including re-pointing lime mortar and installing ramps, were carried out to improve accessibility.
2022: Further refurbishment works reached substantial completion in October, ensuring the building’s structural integrity and preserving its historical features.
Current Status (2024)

Offices and Administration: The Clock Tower Building currently serves as office space for the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA).
Iconic Landmark: The building remains a prominent feature of the Grangegorman campus, its distinctive clock tower serving as a visual reminder of its historical significance.
Future Plans

Academic Space: The Grangegorman Masterplan designates the Clock Tower Building for future use as academic space for the College of Engineering & Built Environment of TU Dublin.
Continued Preservation: While specific plans for its adaptation into academic space are yet to be finalised, the building’s protected status ensures its continued preservation and careful integration into the evolving Grangegorman campus.

K&F Concept 72mm Variable ND Lens Filter ND3-ND1000 (1.5-10 Stops) Putter Adjustable HD Neutral Density Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings for Camera Lens (Nano-X Series)

【Import Optical Glass】This ND filter is made by importing Japanese AGC optical glass, a total of 28 multi-layer coatings, effectivly reducing reflection from the filter itself and glarings, ensuring high-quality image.
【Putter Adjustable Design】Frame designed as a putter can help you accurately adjust the stop, for video shooting users can automatically adjust the stop via auxiliary tools, each stop from ND3 to ND1000 be marked on the frame conveniently for 360-degree rotation to adjust the stop, multi-scene application.
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