Digital Docks
Our growing digital world does not occupy the notional ‘cloud’ above us, but requires real physical infrastructure to house the engines of tomorrow. Without data storage, there is no digital library, no reference, & ultimately no Irish IT economy. Data farms of today are comprised of numerous hard drives, requiring controlled & serviced environments. Rank’s Silo through its sheer concrete construction provides a secure internal environment for housing such farms. These farms operate on a continuous twenty four hour basis & generate a considerable heat output; cooling and ventilation of the internal environment is essential to its successful operation. The Silo’s existing vertical grain bins would be retained and utilized as air ducts to ventilate the structure. Located on the Shannon River the Silo is ideally placed beside a readily available water source to assist in the cooling procedure of the data farm. Ranks’ Silo provides the framework for a virtual and physical IT site, allowing access for the current and future IT businesses of Limerick city. It is envisioned that the development of the dockland could grow into a digital campus for the city. Occupation and re-use of existing on-site structures are the first stage of reintroducing the walled site back to the citizens of Limerick. Joint submission with BRENDAN FEENEY for Rank's Silo in the 21st Century / DoCoMoMo Architecture Ideas Competition for Limerick City of Culture 2014
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Digital Docks Master Plan
The Digital Docks’ master-plan addresses the surrounding docklands of Rank’s Silo, in opening the dockland out to the city's’ public for commercial and social use. The adjacent warehouse would provide office space for start up companies, the dry-dock would become an open air auditorium supporting acts from Dolan’s live music venue. Beside the historic clock tower an artisan market and garden area is located, with a cafe / seafood restaurant located at the pier conclusion. |