TODAY I PHOTOGRAPHED CHANCERY HOUSE [PLEASE EXCUSE THE LENS FLARE]-2316769

            I expected to have issues with lens flare but I decided to live with it when using the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Chancery House: A Landmark of Dublin Social Housing

Chancery House, a striking apartment complex on Dublin's Chancery Place, stands as an important marker in the city's social housing history. Designed by the visionary architect Herbert George Simms and completed in 1935, it was part of a larger corporation housing scheme aimed at addressing Dublin's chronic housing shortage and slum conditions.

The Concept of Social Housing in Dublin

Dublin, like many European cities in the early 20th century, faced a severe housing crisis. Overcrowding, dilapidated tenements, and poor sanitation plagued working-class neighborhoods. Social housing emerged as a government-led response, providing affordable, quality housing to those who couldn't access the private market. The Dublin Corporation, of which Simms was the chief architect, played a pivotal role in driving these initiatives.

Chancery House: Quality and Community

Chancery House embodied a shift in social housing design. Simms rejected the austere, institutional style of earlier housing schemes. Instead, he aimed for aesthetically pleasing buildings that created a sense of community. Chancery House's architectural features demonstrate this approach:

Georgian Influence: The red-brick facade and symmetrical design nod to Dublin's Georgian heritage, integrating the complex into the existing cityscape.
Interior Courtyards: Spacious courtyards provided communal space for residents, fostering a sense of neighbourliness.
Amenities: The original design included a small public park, demonstrating an understanding that social housing extended beyond mere shelter.
Herbert Simms: A Legacy of Social Responsibility

Herbert Simms was a champion of well-designed social housing. His philosophy centred on creating dignified, liveable spaces that elevated the lives of working-class Dubliners. Some of his notable projects include:

Crumlin and Marino Housing Schemes: Large-scale developments that provided hundreds of modern homes.

Cabra Estate: Simms' plans for Cabra transformed a sprawling estate into a model suburb with ample green spaces.

Simms' lasting impact on Dublin's social housing landscape is undeniable. His work demonstrated that affordable housing could be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, setting a standard for future developments.

Continuing Challenges

While Chancery House and Simms' work represent a significant step forward, social housing in Dublin continues to face challenges. The demand for affordable housing still outstrips supply, and some historic complexes have suffered from neglect. However, the legacy of architects like Simms serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in quality social housing to create thriving, inclusive communities.

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Taken in: Ireland / Leinster / Smithfield (show map)

Taken on: April 27, 2024

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Camera: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, f/2.2, 1/250 sec, 7.5mm, ISO 20 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Lens:	iPhone 12 Pro Max back camera 7.5mm f/2.2
Aperture:	f/2.2
Exposure Time:	0.004 sec (1/250)
Focal Length:	7.5mm
ISO:	20
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 13.2 (Macintosh)
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