Levitt Bernstein's proposals for this shortlisted design competition for the high quality re-development of St Michael's Estate in Inchicore, Dublin, seek to be brave and daring whilst being wholly practical and sustainable. The historic setting of the site is key to the design concept, which hinges around 'making connections'. The proposals make physical connections, through the site, as well as social and historic connections, responding to local, significant, existing landmarks.

A central 'green' spine route, for pedestrians and cyclists, forms a new path through the heart of the scheme linking Inchicore village to Goldenbridge Cemetery, the Grand Canal and new LUAS station. The route combines subtle shifts in geometry with dramatic spatial variety, becoming, at its widest point, the main central public space – the 'green' for the 'new urban village'. Public buildings act as markers along the spine, with a new library, community centre and retail facilities in the north, clustered around a vibrant urban square with community crèches, a youth café and family centre further south.

A total of 583 new homes are designed as courtyard blocks to the west and east of the spine using a variety of architectural approaches, responding to orientation to create specific character areas. Stained timber and highly coloured elements highlight accents along the spine with muted and light reflective materials used in contrast along cross streets and in courtyards.