Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
DUBLIN IS CELEBRATED for its diverse architecture.
The most famous parts of the city’s blueprint are the grand Georgian buildings and stately government edifices.
But people pay less attention to the modest blocks of flats built by what was then the Dublin Corporation.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Dublin faced terrible overcrowding. Slums developed rapidly across the city, vast numbers inhabited vacant Georgian mansions. Mass migration from rural Ireland to the capital led to a housing crisis in the years preceding the 1932 general election.
A series of political debates ensued about how this social issue could be resolved. A solution was devised by Herbert G Simms, who held the position as city architect with Dublin Corporation from 1932 until 1948.
The London born architect and First World War veteran, proclaimed that he and Dublin Corporation were “trying to do in one generation what should have been done by the last four or five generations.”
Following the success of Dublin Corporation’s first attempt at flat-block social housing in Marino, Simms designed several developments of the same function for Dublin’s inner-city dwellers.
Most of these blocks remain intact, today.
His multi-storey designs can be seen throughout Dublin. The most famous complexes include the Mercer House flats, Henrietta House, Chancery House and St Audoen’s House City Council flats.
The buildings are defined by a blend of architectural styles recognised in both Dutch and British flat-blocks of the same period.
As noted in an article by Architecture Ireland, Simms’ designs show the influence of “contemporary London flat blocks where deck balcony access, external staircases and central courtyard areas were commonly used.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Respect.
What a road you have taken,one that will help change the lives of others. You are amazing and I wish you peace. Thank you for making a difference.
Inspirational
Hard to read. I’m positive everyone in Ireland would send this young lad their best wishes and would agree that his strength and words of wisdom are an inspiration.
What a courageous and brave young man.
Stephen Sutton_ You Sir are a horse and cart of a man..Fair balls to you man!!!
Stephen, your an inspiration to us man.
I wish you peace and comfort.
Amazing kid, fair play to him and he has made a huge difference.
Great respect.
Superman wears Stephen Sutton pyjamas .
Here here. XX
A true selfless and a very brave young man.
Courageous and articulate lad! Too bad the hand life has dealt him. He could have achieved so much in time with that attitude, intelligence and strength. A true role model, not just to his age group, but to us all.
Well done young man!
Amazing Guy.. disappointed in thejournal for not linking to the fundraising page – other news websites did! (http://www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Sutton-TCT/eurl.axd/f3b8e2b8d324834eb9813df16d168837)
The link is indeed in the piece, Byyys. It’s in the paragraph about how the target has been reached, which begins with the words “The £1 million target was…”. Would have been a bit mean-spirited not to include it.
Christine.. its safe to say 170 other readers couldn’t find the link either, thanks for clarifying that up.
Oh what a brave guy. May all you dreams come true. What a inspiration :-)
True inspiration.
What a brave young soul….
Think I have something in my eye
Well done
What a great guy!
Awesome I have to say.
From near my home town, an inspiration! Tragic
Respect total respect. ..very sad so young and having to go through this… I really really hope there is something after death and it will make his pain worthwhile.
Your mother must be broken hearted and proud as punch! What a brave young man. Where do you get your courage from?
May you continue to shine young man xxx
Hope and pray for a miracle. Xxx. So much respect for you. Xxx.
Absolutely love your funny and amazing things post. So positive and uplifting!
I should have expanded more. I saw a post on Facebook about funny and amazing stories and thought it was brilliant. I then looked a little bit deeper into the origin of creator and was astounded to what I found. Bringing laughter spontaneous on my behalf and light into my world of a lot of darkness. You truly are an inspiration to me and I’m sure lots of others. Thank you !
To all the red thumbers, walk a mile in Stephens shoes,respect to him and his family. He has shown true courage and strength in the face of adversity.
When I read this story I cant stop thinking of so many people his age taking things for granted, not material things, but life itself by doing things like drink driving, abusing of alcohol n drugs, commiting crike following stupidity of necknomination etc. Looking at this lad doing so much in the little time he got left thinking of all other wonders he will miss and then you read some youth attacked someone in the dart or stealing from elders or you see them trying to shoplift etc etc I wish I had a photo and story of Stephen and say ” get inspired, learn, respect and work hard for the real simple and legal joys of life. You are wasting you life”
But that seem like dream.
Your health is your wealth
With tears in my eyes I send you and yours my best wishes. You have made such a difference and others will benefit from your fearlessness. Well done you.
As a friend of mine would say. ” you can do it Boy”. God love you for your bravery and kindness in helping others. God bless and give strength to your Family and Friends. Sending you lots of love. XX
Exceptional man. You look at this person and really see what’s best in the world. Then you have the pointless celebrity socialite who thinks the world revolves around them. They don’t deserve fame or recognition. This man truly does.
Respect
No words..
Have followed his story the last few days with great sadness. What a special inspirational young man. Credit must also be given to Jason Manford the comedian who had helped since yesterday to create awareness of this story and helped bump the fundraising up by promoting it and speaking so highly of Stephen. Bless Stephen.
We’ll done Stephen very brave young man
Cannot understand anyone who would red thumb any of the comments here – unless they are just idiots who red thumb anything referring to anyone English at all whatever their circumstances? I dunno. Cowards all of them. Stephen is an inspiration and he’s from my home town – we are all very proud of him. I’ve donated.
I cannot understand what type of person, has used the red thumb,having read the article.
Stephen, Your a better man than I.
Fabulous kid, god mind him.
Stephen you are a wonderful person.
What an eloquent, generous young man. Feeling humbled.
God bless you Stephen hugss seriously made me cry. Breaks the heart. I Wish for a miracle for you :( love and prayers and thoughts with you and your family. xxxxxxxxx
have your say