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Making A Gateway: New Cultural Quarter For The City Of Sligo

Part 2 Project 2007
John Bruen
 Queen's University Belfast | UK
John’s research into the history of Sligo, it’s people, their habitation and engagement with the surrounding landscape has been of great value to the architecture of the project. This is true of both the master plan (which has been diligently and thoughtfully prepared) and the cultural facility building that is the main part of the project.

The innovative use of structural timber, a mix of in-situ and pre-cast concrete, and Kilkenny limestone cladding demonstrates a versatile understanding of the technical and narrative content of the work. This discussion of material quality has been resolved further in an enjoyable landscape proposal which mediates sensitively between river front and town centre.



The 2002 governmental National Spatial Strategy of Ireland identified a number of new “Gateway Cities” at key locations around Ireland to be developed in order to address the regional economic imbalance throughout the country.

This study takes, Sligo, a “Gateway City” in the North West of Ireland and considers an approach for the city to fulfil its potential while respecting its historical and regional context. The approach considers an overall transport strategy, masterplan for the rejuvenation of a city block reusing listed buildings and new cultural facilities, which explore the economic and social advantages of exploiting the commonality of these facilities by grouping them together.

2007
Site and context analysis.
Proposed city transport strategy using an ultra light rail system, park and ride facilities and renewable hydro power supply from existing river weirs.
Overall masterplan approach for rejuvenation of city block, reuse of listed buildings and opening up of existing spaces within the medival urban fabric to facilitate movement through site to city centre.
Ground floor plan of new cultural facilities showing reused listed buildings, context and permability through site to the city centre.
First and second floor plans showing main library and museum spaces.
Third Floor and sectional views showing main library and museum spaces.
Long elevation and sections showing sharing of spaces below ground with distinct architectural styles and phyiscal break between different facilities to allow each to exist as an individual entity.
River elevation and museum section in surrounding context. Reused listed church and manse buildings with glass and glulam entrance/connection
Stephen St. elevation and short section showing main glulam spine through library. Reused chuch with floating upper floors between exposed rafters.
Detail section of new cultural facilities connection showing main glulam structure with timber and in-situ concrete composite floor construction.
View of overall site strategy in context.
Exploded axonometric showing main spaces and circulation of new cultural facilities.
Views of new cultural facility in surrounding context.
Views of new cultural facility in surrounding context.
Model views of new cultural facility and reused listed buildings in surrounding context.
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