Symbolic Architecture; Expanding the Role of the Architect in the Rural Landscape through Contextual Research
The Rathcroghan Geopark & Community Farm is a dissertation project that harmonises a prehistoric pastoral landscape between the agricultural community and its visitors. The 270-hectare site is located in Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon – a tentative UNESCO heritage site with over 200 monuments. The landscape has been incredibly well preserved thanks to over 6,000 years of pastoral activity, preventing large planting causing damage. The proposal consists of dynamic and land management plans and sustainable agricultural buildings (one primary farmyard and four smaller winter feed buildings).
The scheme connects the pragmatism of agriculture with the abstract mythological journey. This is achieved through the design of land management and architectural solutions, striving to symbolise the contexts unique significance with great care.
