In the 1970s, a common question among travelers in Europe was, “Does Ireland have any modern architecture?” Yet, within less than 50 years, Irish architects have not only won the Pritzker Architecture Prize but also seen two recipients of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal emerge in a span of five years. Shane O’Toole, a senior Irish architecture critic, argues that this transformation can be traced back to the 1991 Temple Bar Framework Planning Competition in Dublin. The winning “Group 91” laid the groundwork for the careers of many of these award-winning architects.
Like many European cities, Dublin fell into decline in the mid-20th century. Residents moved out of the city center, and the shipping and manufacturing industries declined. The Temple Bar area is located in the heart of the city, bordered by the River Liffey to the north, Dame Street to the south, Trinity College and the Houses of Parliament to the east, and Dublin City Hall and Christ Church Cathedral to the west. In the 1960s, plans were made to build a large bus terminal on this 30-acre site. In the 1970s, the government acquired the land and signed short-term leases while waiting for demolition. However, the area unexpectedly attracted cafes, art galleries, and small businesses due to its low rents, forming a thriving community. When the transportation project was canceled in 1987, the Irish government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Charles Haughey, planned to transform it into “a vibrant new living area that creates new jobs and attracts tourists” — and thus, the 1991 Temple Bar Framework Planning Competition came into being.
At that time, Dublin held the title of European Capital of Culture, and the European Regional Development Fund provided part of the funding. The key points of the competition emphasized the importance of public spaces. The “framework planning” format focused on defining the urban structure in a flexible manner, respecting the original characteristics of the site, and drawing on the concept of valuing distinctiveness and public spaces prevalent on the European continent. Ultimately, “Group 91” — a coalition of 8 firms consisting of 13 architects in their thirties, including Rachel Kiddlow, Yvonne Farrell, and Shelley McNamara — claimed victory. Their work recognized the value of the existing winding street network and buildings, presenting a vision shaped by interventions such as new structures that frame streets and squares, with a strong emphasis on human-centric architecture design that harmonizes with the area’s inherent fabric. Later, O’Donnell + Tuomey won the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2015, while Grafton Architects — the firm co-founded by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara — received both the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2020.
The winning framework included several key components: Temple Bar Square, built on a former surface parking lot, serves as a busy hub connecting the Ha’penny Bridge to the main east-west thoroughfares. It preserves two 19th-century buildings and plans for two new structures whose ground floors are designed to activate the square. Meeting House Square links pedestrian routes to a new bridge, providing an open-air performance space, surrounded by a mix of old and new buildings housing various cultural venues. Curved Street is a short east-west route flanked by new cultural buildings. New housing is also integral, encompassing both newly constructed and renovated buildings.
The planning was completed in 1998 and has had a profound impact on Irish architecture. Today, the Temple Bar area remains a dynamic part of Dublin, boasting a variety of cultural venues and a blend of old and new buildings, with only the issue of overtourism persisting. Its success stems from the architects’ understanding of the existing conditions; Yvonne Farrell’s views even echo Jane Jacobs’ ideas in The Death and Life of Great American Cities. The project’s success also benefited from multiple factors: Dublin’s status as European Capital of Culture, the prime minister’s support, the innovative willingness of young planners in the Irish government, and Group 91’s diverse approaches. Additionally, some shortlisted architects also participated in designing new buildings, expanding the scope of creativity. Furthermore, the experience gained by Group 91 members in teaching and research before the competition, as well as their earlier project Making Modern Streets, laid the foundation for their winning entry. The project has since become an internationally recognized model for urban regeneration, with its competition selection method earning praise. The 3D models exhibited were also the first of their kind used in Ireland for showcasing an urban area. In 2021, on the 30th anniversary of the competition, members of Group 91 reflected on the project’s experiences at relevant seminars. Indeed, this project has effectively elevated the status of Irish architecture and architects both regionally and internationally.
