The symbolism and significance of the circle in Ireland’s pre-historic and historic past was a major influence on our design process. The stone circles of Ireland are the precedent we used for the entrance plaza on Chapelizod Road. In particular, we used the Drombeg site, which has two taller entrance stones placed opposite a recumbent axial stone.

Our plan for the entrance plaza is circular, with several “stones” or pylons arranged around the perimeter. About the Drombeg site, we designed two larger pylon structures at the park entrance with the “recumbent” stone set into the pavement between them.

The plaza will have a marked solar observance like its ancient counterparts. Instead of the sun rising on a solstice the angle of the sun indicated on our plan will be the sunrise on November 11th. The material and dimensions of this “stone” are the same as the Stone of Remembrance in the Memorial Garden. Likewise, the pylons face the same rough stone as the memorial garden walls. The wheeled triskelion in the plaza center references the Irish past. Still, it is also part of our environmental plan because the porous pebble mosaic permeates the soil over a large plaza area. The central flagstaff is for the national flag, while the wall/screen on the plaza’s western edge has four flagpoles representing the provinces of Ireland.

The multifunctional pylons have deep recessions with static displays or interactive screens that provide information about the site or display works of art. They will also provide the location of the instruments that illuminate the plaza.