Hawkins House (Dublin)
Hawkins House was an office building located on Hawkins Street in Dublin, Ireland. Constructed in the 1960s, it was considered a prominent example of Brutalist architecture. The building was primarily known for its use as government offices, housing several departments and agencies over its lifespan.
Throughout its existence, Hawkins House generated significant debate regarding its architectural merit and its impact on the Dublin cityscape. Its stark, concrete facade was often criticised for being aesthetically unappealing and out of character with the surrounding Georgian architecture. Others defended it as a significant and bold statement of modern architecture in Ireland.
In 2017, Hawkins House was demolished to make way for a new development, a major project including offices, retail space and potentially residential units. The demolition marked the end of a controversial chapter in Dublin's architectural history and sparked further discussion about the balance between preserving architectural heritage and embracing modern development in the city centre. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment.