The design of the hotel will reflect the history of the Sligo Gaol from the point of view of female inmates. Ideas about isolation, darkness and mystery will be particularly emphasized in my design. In the 1800’sfemale prisoners were required to carry out productive labour such as knitting, blanket making, tailoring or shoe making. I wanted to incorporate this narrative and interpret the products of manual labour through the spatial elements and thus create an immersive experience for the visitor. The elements, both physical and atmospheric, which are strongly associated with incarceration become structures which embody the spirit of the building’s history yet offer an experience of something new, unexpected and unique.
