The Office of Public Works is to seek planning permission this week for the next phase of the National Museum at Collins Barracks in Dublin.
The project, costing an estimated £34 million, aims to reinstate the missing central square of the former Royal Barracks, which was demolished in 1890 after being in continuous use since it was built in 1701.
The plan being submitted to Dublin Corporation for approval differs radically from an earlier scheme by the OPW's architectural service, which would have given a contemporary treatment to the new range of buildings.
Sources say that scheme was vetoed by the OPW's chairman, Mr Barry Murphy, after it became clear the Minister for Arts and Heritage, Ms de Valera, who is responsible for the National Museum, favoured a historicist approach.
Mr Michael O'Doherty, the OPW's principal architect, conceded that the contemporary building first proposed "didn't do justice to the site". As it would have stood much farther forward of the original range, "it wasn't a great solution".
Mr O'Doherty believes it would also have compromised the esplanade of the barracks, which he sees as crucial to its relationship with the River Liffey. As a result, a decision was made to follow the footprint of the original square.
"The first scheme didn't fit," he said. "In my view, moving it back and reinstating the original facade produces a much better solution in planning and architectural terms while creating a more free-flowing sequence for the public."
However, the reinstatement will be incomplete because the National Museum's current requirements for more exhibition space, new restaurant facilities, a lecture theatre and offices fell short of the full range of buildings.
As a result, the flanking wings of the square are designed with cut-off gables to indicate the intention to extend them in the future as the museum expands. In the meantime, these sides of the square are to be filled out with trees.
The new buildings, historically accurate in their facade treatment, are to be laid out on three sides of a geometrically paved square with a circular depression in the middle and storage as well as parking for 200 cars underneath.
Project architect Mr Patrick Gannon said references for the design of the facades came from survey plans of the three ranges before they were demolished.
Backed up by an archaeological excavation which uncovered the foundations of the central block, Mr Gannon said the new building would have "authenticity in its placement as well as its detail" - at least for its principal facade.
This would, however, be skin-deep. Behind it, the architects have proposed a substantial glazed atrium with a gallery at first-floor level and links at this and other levels to the museum's existing spaces ranged around Clarke Square.
The former riding school of the barracks and an adjoining wash-house are integrated into the scheme.
A new drum-shaped building to the rear, fronting on Arbour Hill, will house a lecture theatre, restaurant and exhibition space.
Asked if Collins Barracks warranted further expenditure, given that visitor numbers have been disappointing - 165,000 last year compared to 285,000 for Kildare Street - the OPW's view is that its scheme will provide the necessary "critical mass".
