Reinhabiting the Backlands

Description

This thesis explored the adaptive reuse of derelict sites in town centres to create functional homes, aiming to revitalise urban cores and attract residents back into these areas. The project began with an in-depth analysis of Narrow West Street in Drogheda, examining the potential retrofit of buildings in varying states of dilapidation.

Oscar Newman’s ‘Defensible Space Theory’ was a key influence throughout the design process, shaping a concept that prioritised community, safety, and privacy. These ideas informed the integration of semi-public spaces and defined thresholds, guiding residents from public streets into private dwellings while fostering a sense of ownership and security.

The design development involved testing two primary concepts. The first proposed demolishing rear extensions to accommodate a modern version of mixed-use developments. The second approach embraced the strategic reuse of the existing built fabric. This scheme aimed to preserve the site’s character while introducing communal indoor and outdoor areas that encourage interaction and shared responsibility among residents. The final design presents a vision for sustainable urban regeneration, one that respects historical context while creating a liveable, defensible, and connected neighbourhood.