Heterotopia means ‘other place’. It is a term used to describe liminal social spaces in society where something different can occur. This thesis intends to explore the creation of nonprofit spaces that circumvent market-driven construction by imaging new uses for three vacant buildings on three laneways- Rutland Place, Grenville Lane, and Charles Lane- in the Mountjoy Square area of Dublin One. The typology of inner-city laneways has been chosen as a testing vehicle due to its high concentrations of dereliction and disuse that poses opportunity for the public reclamation of abandoned city space. In the context of our current housing shortages, a derelict house on the corner of Grenville Lane was chosen to further test a methodology of DIY housing that synthesises primary research about autonomous living from interviews with past and present squatters, and modular construction techniques derived from the self-build principles of Walter Segal and Enzo Mari. This open-source architecture makes use of standardised sizes and easily attainable materials to promote agile transport, quick (dis)assembly, and repeatability. A network of individual and connected ‘pods’ inhabit the building; communal working and living spaces are kept on the ground floor and thermally bound bedrooms on the upper. The structural system is designed as dually symbiotic and parasitic, bracing and stabilising the existing walls while breaking and swinging through openings in simple, yet playful ways. Underground public infrastructures like water and waste access are tapped into through surreptitious means, while electricity is produced using photovoltaic panels hooked up to a 12v battery. The DIY design process is intended as a blueprint of radical action; it interprets architecture as a tool of empowerment rather than imposition and posits that the possibility of changing the city relies not only on the structures of capital and state, but on the hands of its people.
Project Year: 2024
Sligo School of Architecture
The project is a School of Architecture building situated along the river in Sligo, designed to foster an environment of collaboration, connectivity, and community engagement. At the heart of the building is a vast central atrium, serving as the core around which all architectural studios and staff offices are oriented. This central void not only provides a visual and spatial connection between the different levels but also encourages interaction and collaboration among students from various year groups.
The ground floor is designed as a publicly accessible area, creating a connections between the school and the local community. This space is intended to host exhibitions, events, and activities, making the building a lively hub of architectural discourse and community engagement.
Overlooking this public area from the upper levels through the atrium enhances the sense of openness and connectivity within the building. Additionally the project collaborated with a nearby project to create a waterfront walking area for the public to enjoy In addition to the central atrium, the building features roof gardens and terraces, providing students with accessible outdoor spaces to take breaks and engage with the natural environment.
Harmony Haven
This thesis began with the exploration of the role of biophilic design principles in shaping the holistic rehabilitation experience within architectural settings, particularly within the context of natural landscapes. Architects must consider how to create surroundings that promote patient healing.
This proposal explores how nature enhances patients’ sensory experience in healthcare settings by analysing the interaction between the body and architecture. Applying biophilic design to healthcare facilities creates pleasant and relaxing surroundings, positively impacting patients’ emotional states. Incorporating nature-based design into these environments enhances patients’ sensory experience and improves physical health, leading to further advantages. Effective rehabilitation facilities require architects to incorporate these beliefs into their designs.
Rehabilitation clinics and hospitals are beginning to recognise the value of promoting physical exercise via design. These surroundings enhance the benefits of exercise for patients’ health and encourage active participation in the healing process. Moving physical therapy from the walls to the halls and outside allows patients and staff to experience the entire facility via mobility, leading to more effective sessions.
In summary, Harmony Haven is not just a rehabilitation centre; it is a sanctuary for healing and renewal, where patients can reconnect with nature, nurture their mind, body, and spirit, and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness in harmony with the environment.