Architecture in Diverse Landscape - Independent environmental protection agency in Toome Part 1 Project 2019 Iris Wong Queen's University Belfast | UK Today, sand extraction is Lough Neagh’s largest industry, providing the raw material for a range of products within the construction industry such as glass, tile, and concrete. Sand is a finite resource; it’s over-extraction is damaging the wetlands leading to the ecological collapse of the lake. This collapse could cause the extinction of the silver eel. An Environmental Protection Agency aims to address environmental issues and carry out research, monitoring and data collection to offer a robust critique of policy to protect our environment in the future. A library, exhibition space, and accommodation for researchers help redefine this territory and support environmental protection and leisure on the lake.A new timber walkway acts as the spine of the scheme. This new structure allows for a permeable edge to traverse landscapes and organise territory. The suspended path goes from town to water, crossing flood plains and a little forest. Connecting the public to the lake, the trees, the mountains, and the sky. By walking from town to the lake, busy to quiet, people have the opportunity to sit at the lake’s edge, read, contemplate the environment and consider our role to protect this precious landscape and its diverse ecology. Tutor(s) Catherine Blaney Steve Larkin