Meeting House Square

Temple Bar Cultural Trust commissioned the project following a public competition, seeking a weather covering that would protect events without diminishing the character of the square. The challenge was to create a structure that could respond to Ireland’s changing weather while remaining elegant when open and closed. The result is a bespoke system of four 21m high steel masts supporting asymmetric tilted umbrellas.

The umbrellas open in approximately 12 minutes and overlap like flowers to form a continuous cover over the square. Their canopy height was carefully set to preserve sightlines to the cinema screen and theatre stage. Lighting, audio, water and electrical supplies are integrated into the system, allowing the square to support cinema, theatre, performance and other cultural events with greater reliability.

The design is also refined in its closed position. Unlike conventional umbrellas, the support struts sit above the fabric and fold down to contain and protect the canopy when not in use. At ground level, a services trench and new stone carpet organise the square, defining audience locations and locating the four masts within a clear and generous public surface.

‍