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As a part of the 'Think Transformation' concepts our suggested scheme for the Mountain Visitors Centre is 'The Giants
Steps'.
The arrangement of the facility on the steep lower slopes of the hill is critical. It is desirable that it is
accessed by car and that it is located high up the slopes to separate it from the road and to take advantage of the views. It is also however critical that it is not dominated by a car park.
It is read as an object in the landscape and comprises three parts.
1. The Car park located close to the proposed link road with associated 'lifting' pavilion and office space. The
building facilitates disabled access. The business office space is a hub and permanent home for environmental groups and related organisations and the park manager. The carpark is also for general use in the
mountain park.
2. The main visitor facility is located further up the slopes on the opposite side of the Ballygomartin Road which
becomes a service road. It includes information and resources on Archaeology, Botany, Geology and acts as a base for hill walking or a csual stroll along the lower slopes to Fernhill House. It also include
exhibition space and general support facilities including Caf and bookshop and auditorium.
3. 'The Giants Steps'. We have a fascination with giants, The Giants Causeway, The Giants Ring, The Giants Foot and
Finn McCool. Access to the top of the mountain is via the new Giants Steps. This is a series of cuboid volumes loosely arranged but overlapping above one another with occasional ascent within the mountain. Each
is around 3-4 stories high and contains a staircase and a lift which allows one to ascend to the rooftop viewing platform and access to the next set of stairs and lift. In this way the ascent of the mountain is achieved though a set of varied views of the city and gradually absorbing the outlying hills, the Mourne Mountains and farther. From platforms the visitor or walker may choose to continue their ascent or decent on the hill proper. Rooftop terraces provide links to adjacent hillside slopes allowing a range of climbs through a mix of lift and hill walking. The cuboid volumes contain some of the visitor accommodation in the lower blocks. Upper levels are low serviced spaces including some exhibition space with the uppermost level being a coffee shop.
Part building part sculpture with magnificent glazed wall views of the city the assembly of the cuboids forms a
glowing snake of light on the side of the hill visible from the city centre acting as a beacon and setting the agenda for the reinvigoration for West Belfast and Greater Shankill.
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