BY MICHAEL BULFIN
GEOMETRIC REFLECTIONS BY MICHAEL BULFIN [SCULPTURE AT MIESIAN PLAZA NEAR DUBLINBIKES DOCKING STATION 20]
Miesian Plaza, located on Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, is a notable office building complex designed in the International Style, heavily influenced by the work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, particularly his iconic Seagram Building. Formerly known as the Bank of Ireland Headquarters, the complex comprises three buildings of varying heights—four, five, and eight storeys—arranged around a central plaza. This design, with the two shorter buildings fronting Lower Baggot Street and the eight-storey building set behind, minimises the latter's visual impact on the streetscape.
The architectural firm Scott Tallon Walker, led by Ronnie Tallon, was responsible for the complex's design. Notably, Robin Walker, a founding partner, had both studied and taught alongside Mies van der Rohe. Dublin City Council has recognised Miesian Plaza as "one of the most important Modernist buildings in Ireland" and "Dublin’s finest example of the restrained and elegant Miesian style." In 2010, the facade and plaza were designated protected structures, acknowledging their architectural significance. The facade's design closely mirrors that of the Seagram Building.
Within the plaza, visitors can admire two significant sculptures: "Reflections" by Michael Bulfin, featured in this photograph, and "Red Cardinal" by John Burke. Michael Bulfin (born 1939) is a Dublin-based Irish sculptor and visual artist. The son of Irish republican Éamonn Bulfin and grandson of William Bulfin of Derrinlough, Birr, County Offaly, he received his education at University College Dublin and Yale University. He also held a German Government Scholarship in 1965, facilitated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to study at a research laboratory in Hamburg, Germany. Bulfin has held prominent positions, including chairman of the Project Arts Centre and the Sculptors Society of Ireland, and is a member of Aosdána. His other notable works include "A Walk Among Stone" (1988) at Ballymun Flats (since demolished), and "Sky Train" (2002) at Sculpture in the Parklands.
The plaza's proximity to a Dublinbikes docking station (20) enhances its accessibility.
Miesian Plaza, located on Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, is a notable office building complex designed in the International Style, heavily influenced by the work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, particularly his iconic Seagram Building. Formerly known as the Bank of Ireland Headquarters, the complex comprises three buildings of varying heights—four, five, and eight storeys—arranged around a central plaza. This design, with the two shorter buildings fronting Lower Baggot Street and the eight-storey building set behind, minimises the latter's visual impact on the streetscape.
The architectural firm Scott Tallon Walker, led by Ronnie Tallon, was responsible for the complex's design. Notably, Robin Walker, a founding partner, had both studied and taught alongside Mies van der Rohe. Dublin City Council has recognised Miesian Plaza as "one of the most important Modernist buildings in Ireland" and "Dublin’s finest example of the restrained and elegant Miesian style." In 2010, the facade and plaza were designated protected structures, acknowledging their architectural significance. The facade's design closely mirrors that of the Seagram Building.
Within the plaza, visitors can admire two significant sculptures: "Reflections" by Michael Bulfin, featured in this photograph, and "Red Cardinal" by John Burke. Michael Bulfin (born 1939) is a Dublin-based Irish sculptor and visual artist. The son of Irish republican Éamonn Bulfin and grandson of William Bulfin of Derrinlough, Birr, County Offaly, he received his education at University College Dublin and Yale University. He also held a German Government Scholarship in 1965, facilitated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to study at a research laboratory in Hamburg, Germany. Bulfin has held prominent positions, including chairman of the Project Arts Centre and the Sculptors Society of Ireland, and is a member of Aosdána. His other notable works include "A Walk Among Stone" (1988) at Ballymun Flats (since demolished), and "Sky Train" (2002) at Sculpture in the Parklands.
The plaza's proximity to a Dublinbikes docking station (20) enhances its accessibility.
BY MICHAEL BULFIN