17A The Mall . Fused Restoration
The project brief was to rework an existing building and site in the cultural quarter of Sligo Town Centre, to repurpose for an Artist in Residence, a place for living and working and public engagement.
Statement: The design intention stems from three themes, of which are derived from the context and history of 17a and the client. The perception of the sloping landscape – creating different level access points throughout the space and creating off-set spaces, altering the perception of the space inside vs outside. Inspired by the existing two level access points, facilitated by the sloping landscape The fusion within the craft – using the method of glass fusion to inspire the nature of the connections and thresholds. Highlighting the permanence and strength in the craft of the joining pieces.
The vessel – Addressing the history, or lack thereof. Taking direction from the once vertically spanning chimney and representing this in section. Also by re-dressing the historical skin of the building, which remains the only original piece of 17a, and creating a vessel to support its new life. Overall creating a structure which offers respect to the bones of what was while giving life back to the mall and creating space for a new type of creative hub.
