ALTU were engaged by Aviva (formerly Friends First) to undertake a strategic and multi-faceted redevelopment of their Blackrock Estate portfolio, which includes Blackrock Village Centre. The existing Village Centre was in decline suffering from degrading fabric, urban disconnection and a poor pedestrian experience. Through refurbishment and the creation of memorable architectural moment it has been given a new lease of life.
Inspired by the feeling of walking through a forest, a new glazed canopy with dappled natural light flooding through floats above the center, supported by slender structural trees creating a unique and playful experience. Open to air, the pedestrian connection to Blackrock Village is reinforced and strengthened.
The degrading external and internal façades have been upgraded to consolidate the re-generation of Blackrock Village Centre.
The works were carried out whilst the Centre remained open and tenants traded throughout the programme, which represented a unique and challenging constraint successfully managed by ALTU.
Creating a Unique Identity
Through the creation of a distinct architectural statement, Blackrock Village Centre now has a unique and memorable identity as a best in class village centre.
A vision realised through innovative structure
The bespoke structural canopy over the central mall area, with highly sculptural tree like organic supports inspired by a forest canopy, was designed in collaboration with Dutch steel manufacturer Octatube. The canopy was manufactured off-site in Holland and installed in large sections to ensure the architects vision was realised and the highest quality was maintained.
