The rigid limits that marked the previous scenario were now replaced by an open proposal, prioritizing the large windows and the connection with the outside, in pursuit of a "non-defensive" architecture, which contributes from the project to fight the stigmas that these institutions daily carry.
The exposed brick of the exterior of the building contrasts with the chain of poplars that guides the route to the large pedestrian access that links the old part of the centre with the proposal. Inside, the roofs that are irregular in height and inclination are complemented by the colourful corridors that culminate in different rooms for rest, leisure and offices.
Description of project by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects
Candle Community
Candle Community Trust was founded during the 1970’s in response to youth needs in Ballyfermot, a Dublin suburb largely of social housing, strong community though blighted by drug abuse and school ‘drop-out’. This project is about shelter, refuge, an oasis of care, repair and well-being to redress the precarious life states in which some local young people find themselves. Candle’s ethos - respect through education, therapeutic support for youth suffering trauma is admirable. The brief was for a series of new consultation, activity and ancillary rooms. Universal Design was fundamental to our collective thinking.
On our first site-visit (despite the bleak, hostile entry) we were struck by the oasis quality, an impressive rhythmic east-west line of mature poplars though extensive fencing precluded enjoyable landscape and the tar-macadamed entrance lacked pedestrian welcome. The existing 1970’s single storey, L shaped, red brick building with turquoise low pitch metaldeck roofing provided basic enclosure, relying on surface mounted, metal roller shutters for protection. While answering a real anti-social problem, this device signalled a defensive stance wholly inappropriate to the spirit of Candle. Rectifying this was our primary goal. Doing so within a limited budget acting sustainably, our design challenge was one of reimagining a formal integrity through extension while harnessing resources of - sun, trees and the existing building (despite its limitations). Our new 3D terracotta toned wedge form linked to the existing, creating new external spatial arrangements - a welcoming brick, south facing entrance court accessible to all and an east facing calming lawn.
Confirming brick as the major external material, nods of yellow ochre and wine red signal the new circulation/social space - an interior of edgier intense colours in rhythmic order chiming visual integrity while allowing individual expressions of orange, magenta, white, powder blue. As architects we understood the challenge for Candle Community’s youth as - the need to be part of a collective while supporting self expression, respecting and encouraging choices in working towards personal well-being. Our secondary material was timber for the necessary shutters. We extended our recessed wall depth, non-climbable vertical hit / miss sliding timber screens to reworked opes in the existing building now forming the east face of our new entrance court. We judged the risk of a bespoke, timber sliding shutter design, worth its potential as positive, non-defensive signal to the community which in practice has proven successful.
