Adaptive Transformational Strategy

Linda D’Arcy

Thesis

Proposal: Transport and Cultural Hub
Location: Connolly Station, Dublin 1

This study began with an in-depth investigation of the North East Inner City through the view of critical care and the climate crisis. From a close reading of the site’s present conditions, the impacts of the development of the railway became a specific interest for this research paper. Although the railway brought prosperity and employment to the area, it left other certain places cut off and devoid of amenities. The study focused on Connolly station as the epicenter of the railway development in the North East Inner City. The primary thesis interest has been in conservation. I began with a curiosity about the roof structure, Connolly’s history, and its restoration. I was drawn to Connolly station as railway buildings in Ireland contain some of the most spectacular roofing structures of the late 1800s. These roofs can span great distances and hold much potential. This proposal transforms Connolly Station into a large transport hub, a civic gesture for the public with educational, historical, and architectural relevance. The project was driven by the need to renovate historical buildings for the 21st century. Through this thesis, I will demonstrate one method that could be used as an adaptive transformational strategy to retain and celebrate the delight and importance of historical architecture. This strategy will focus on the terms preservation, junction, and addition through a conservation project.

Historic buildings should be reused and adapted to ensure the structure’s longevity, which will reduce the impact of the embodied carbon of buildings and retain the memory and character of the local area. The introduction of the station brought economic value to the site and helped with its development. However, its architectural and engineering value is sadly under appreciated as the building does not function to its full potential as a station. As the building has a cultural and social significance, a further celebration of this is needed in the urban form to give the North East Inner City the critical care it badly needs while designing consciously and sustainably as a means for reuse.