Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council

SHELTER STRUCTURE [see map Shelter Structure]
To improve the amenity of the new streets, a sheltering glass canopy structure
is proposed. This canopy will span over the streets protecting them from
inclement weather. The design envisages a glass and metal structure that flows
continuously in a vaulted form that maintains the daylight and sunlight levels
experienced in any open street.
The sheltered streets will relate to the
(i) Main route from the west of the Cultural Quarter along Central Street to
the Metro Plaza
(ii) The Rise, linking Malahide Road with the Metro Plaza
(iii) Important retail frontages of Mall Street and Shop Street.
2 key design criteria will define the quality and technical requirements for the
shelter structure and its relationship with the streetscape:
(i) Ability to ‘read’ streets and buildings
A key objective of the masterplan is the creation of a legible street pattern
at street level (level+1). The introduction of a glazed canopy shelter structure
should not prevent the clear reading of the street along parapet lines and/or
building facades rising above. The location of the shelter structure above the
street parapet level and its support beyond the street edges (parapets) will
remove any structural and edge elements from view.
(ii) Transparency
The level of transparency of the glazed canopy shelter structure will help
the reading of the streetscape. The covering over the street will be totally
glazed and no opaque panels are to be incorporated in the roof. The net
percentage of the roof which is clear glazing, after structure has been taken
into account, is c. 70%. The glazed court of the British Museum has a
comparable degree of transparency.
S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N
6 6
Pavilions Development
Shelter Structure