Sam Stephenson

Sam Stephenson (15 December 1933–9 November 2006) was an Irish architect. Many of his buildings generated considerable controversy when they were built.

Family

He was a son of Paddy Stephenson, a former city librarian and a founder of the Old Dublin Society, who had fought in the 1916 Rising and had helped to restore Kilmainham Gaol. Sam married Bernadette Flood and they had two daughters and two sons. His second marriage was to Caroline Sweetman, daughter of Barbara and Michael Sweetman, and they had two two sons, Sebastian and Zachary. Zachary Stephenson is an accomplished musician who has played in many bands, including Six Sides of Blue and Paralysis.

Notable buildings

The Central Bank, prominently featured on Dame Street

Stephenson's most famous buildings are all in Dublin, and exemplify the style of Brutalist architecture:

• Central Bank of Ireland Dame Street (1975) - It was built higher than planning permission allowed but this was rectified retrospectively. The matter was debated in the Oireachtas in 1974.
• ESB Headquarters at Fitzwilliam Street (1976) - A block of Georgian houses was demolished to make way for this building. This destroyed the Georgian Mile in Dublin.
• Dublin Corporation Offices at Wood Quay - Phase 1 (1976) - The remains of Viking Dublin were discovered during the construction of this building. Despite protests to save the site, construction went ahead. The buildings were known as The Bunkers because of their severe appearance.
• Currency Centre, Sandyford (1979)
• Bord na Móna building, Baggot Street

Awards

• RIAI Gold Medal (1985)

References

• Death of leading architect at age of 72 — The Irish Times obituary, 9 November 2006
• Stephenson brought us to new heights — Sunday Independent obituary, 13 November 2006