We were delighted to take part in an event to mark the 70th Anniversary of Busáras/ Áras Mhic Dhiarmada in Dublin on Thursday 26th October.

Held by Bus Éireann with the support of CIÉ, the event highlighted the social and cultural impact of the project, and how to this day the buildings are used with minimal interventions to the original scheme, demonstrating the foresight of its design. 

Dublin’s central bus station first opened on the 19th of October 1953 and is now a central hub for more than one million passenger journeys each year. When it went on site in 1946, it was one of the largest construction projects in Europe at the time, and the first office building constructed in Europe following the Second World War. Chief architect for CIE, Percy Reynolds, selected Irish architect Michael Scott at only 34 years of age to design a building for Ireland and for the Irish people. Scott Tallon Walker Architects Managing Director Ronan Phelan spoke at the event of the collaborative approach taken to the design of the building, a direct influence of Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus school, and which is still a core underlying philosophy of our practice to this day. This collaboration saw Michael Scott bringing together some of the best international talent – Ove Arup and Jorn Varming – to work with a team of younger architects led by William Cantwell which included Kevin Roche, Kevin Fox, and Paddy Hamilton. Central to the success of the design, and as also emphasised by others at the event, including Bus Eireann CEO Stephen Kent, was the importance of art and beauty in escalating the project far beyond the utilitarian – Pat Scott designed the artwork and mosaics, Robert Heron the metalwork, and Robin Walker the furniture.

The importance of designing buildings which are sustainable, which enhance the wellbeing of those who use them, and contribute to the public realm remains a central tenet in the design approach taken by the practice.

With the increasing focus on public transport in achieving climate action targets, as well as the need for quality public spaces, we are excited to see how Busáras continues to evolve and serve its occupants in the decades ahead. We thank Bus Éireann for inviting us to celebrate this milestone with them.

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