Turn Down the Volume…. Dublin!

When the Pandemic hit and the city emptied we got to see our city streets as they are. Many became calmer spaces with the absence of traffic, but street ‘visual noise’ became more evident. In an organised and considered way much of the visual noise could integrate well into the city, but all together and with an obvious lack of an overriding ‘Design’ plan it just increases the volume and creates visual street pollution.

Dublin would appear to prioritise development in the city for Tourists. Hotels are prioritised over affordable housing, and indigenous old communities (and essential workers) are being forced out by high prices and demolition of and lack of social housing. The student accommodation promised has not delivered for those not able to pay exorbitant rents.

The ideal of everybody cycling or using public transport in a city full of pedestrian street and cargo bicycles paints a lovely picture for those planning a visit from abroad. But the reality is a city full of derelict buildings where small independent stores struggle with increasing taxes and legislation, with a public realm without a comprehensive design plan and guidelines, and streets that are even more polluted by cars due to the lack of a workable public transport system.

In this project through a series of imagined ‘Postcards’ focusing on the visual noise int he city, I am to start a conversation about our city and who we prioritise it for, and how we plan it for the future.

Postcards are A5 and are available for purchase at 6 for €5 plus postage. Just email me at Jeanettelowephotography@gmail.com