Central Bank of Ireland – Docklands Campus

The relocation and consolidation of the Central Bank of Ireland to its Dockland Campus saw the transformation of a previously unfinished concrete structure on North Wall Quay into an iconic landmark building, providing a best-in-class innovative workplace that showcased the value of Inclusive Design and accessibility. OHAC provided technical advisory services, Universal Access Consultancy Services and Training on the project.

Technical Advice

OHAC was engaged directly by the Central Bank of Ireland to act as technical advisor and to carry out peer reviews relating to all aspects of Part M compliance, and accessibility and Universal Design provisions in the Docklands Campus Development. This included reviews of the Disability Access Certificate applications and construction drawings. OHAC worked closely with Stakeholders in the Bank and Henry J Lyons Architects throughout the project to provide support and address all queries relating to accessibility and Universal Design as they arose.

Accessibility and Universal Design Consultants

OHAC also developed Universal Design Strategies to ensure a high-level specification fit for purpose office building and associated infrastructure that would accommodate all the Bank’s city centre operations and personnel in one centralised location. OHAC developed Universal Design Checklists and facilitated Universal Design workshops with key departments within the Bank (e.g. Facilities Management, Security, Catering, and Human Resources).

Training and Awareness Raising

OHAC designed and delivered disability and equality, awareness training to certain teams of Central Bank . OHAC provided tailored accessibility training for Facilities Management Staff and Frontline staff within the Bank on embedding accessibility in day-to-day operations of the office development once complete. We carried out awareness-raising sessions amongst key departments and provided strategic accessibility advice (ongoing throughout the project) to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Access Officer to ensure compliance with national legislation and to ensure the Bank is achieving national and international good practices.

Note 1 OHAC assisted in the production of an e-learning module entitled ‘Buildings for Everyone: Central Bank of Ireland’ was created on this project by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, aimed at professionals involved in the design and procurement of buildings, and anyone interested in Universal Design in the built environment. The module is available through the National Disability Authority learning hub.

Note 2 This project won Universal Design Building of 2017 at the RIAI Awards. It has also been internationally recognised as part of the Zero Project Innovative 2018