Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland

A stunning design for a major new public space – Grand Canal Square – in Dublin’s Docklands, has been unveiled by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. At 10,000 sq metres, the Square, located at the west end of Grand Canal Dock facing on to the water, will be one of the largest paved public spaces in the city. The new Grand Canal Theatre and Le Meridien 5-star hotel will both face on to the Square as well as shops, cafés and restaurants at ground floor level.