The Danish architect behind Sean Dunne’s high-rise tower for Ballsbridge was today accused of being “cynical” in his design of the site.
Ulrik Rysse of Hennig-Larsen designed the mixed-use commercial, residential and office development, which included a 37-storey, 136-metre tower for the site of the former Jury's and Berkeley Court hotels.
Mr Rysse told the the An Bord Pleanala hearing on the development that he had originally designed a 32-storey, 119-metre tower for the site because Dublin Spire architect Ian Ritchie was on the judging panel for the Ballsbridge scheme.
Mr Rysse thought that Mr Ritchie would not choose a building taller than the Spire.
Michael O'Donnell, counsel for billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond, who opposes the development, said that Mr Rysse was more motivated by placating judges than design principles.
"The motivation guiding you was the most cynical of exercises merely to placate one of the adjudicators," Mr O'Donnell said.
Mr Rysse said he merely had regard for the Spire as a possible idea for heights in Dublin.
The hearing continues.
