Shaping the Future

Shaping the Future: Case studies in Adaptation and Reuse in Historic Urban Environments was prepared by Paul Keogh Architects on behalf of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The 33 exemplar projects featured are grouped under four headings - Context, Urban Structure, Public Realm and Adaptive-reuse - all with an introductory essay outlining key principles of each.

The Context chapter highlights the importance of 'plan-making' and the formulation of a vision that balances heritage protection with economic, social and environmental objectives in the delivery of high quality urban environments.

The Urban Structure case studies emphasise the importance of an understanding of, and respect for, the inter-relationship between buildings and spaces - solid and void - in giving urban places a unique character and identity.

The Public Realm chapter is focused on the role that well-designed streets, squares, parks and other open spaces play in making villages, towns and cities more attractive places to live, work and visit, as well as to attract retail, commercial and cultural investment, including tourism.

The 24 Adaptive Reuse projects illustrate a range of design approaches to combining the new with the the old, the present with the past, the modern with the and historic in ways that create an architecture which is richer and more dynamic than either on its own.

Published under Action 23 of the 2009-2015 Government Policy on Architecture, the overarching goal of the publication was to provide guidance to architects, engineers, developers and planning authorities by showcasing best practice in the adaptation of historic buildings and places to the needs of today - and tomorrow. The publication can be read here: Shaping the Future

Client: Department of Arts, Heritage & The Gaeltacht
Value: N/A
Size: N/A
Reference: Mr. Martin Colreavy, DAHG
Design: 2011

Completion: 2012