Dezeen School Shows: research that spotlights the benefits of mycelium and a hotel in a former jail are included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Atlantic Technological University Sligo in Ireland.

Also included is an adaptive reuse project that sees a derelict industrial building converted into a hotel that features natural materials, and a dual-use co-working and community centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Atlantic Technological University Sligo

Institution: Atlantic Technological University Sligo
School: Yeats Academy of Art, Design and Architecture
Courses: BA Architecture and BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa, Elaine Regan, Rowan Watson, Claire Lorusso, Grainne McGarty, Fiona Harte, Dr Cliona Rooney, Bernadette Donohoe, Michael Roulston, Dr Cliona Brady, Peter Scanlon, Mary Byrne, Deirdre Greaney, Dara Burke, JP Feeney, Mark Stephens, Angela Rolfe, Dr John Bruen, Ray McNally, Dr Susan Galavan, Michael Mescal, Eoin Casserly, James Hamilton and Emmet O’Doherty

School statement:

"ATU Sligo Architecture and Interior Architecture and Design programmes are part of the Yeats Academy of Art, Design and Architecture.

"Situated on the northwest coast of Ireland – the Atlantic edge of Europe – and immersed in the evocative landscape of ever-changing light and glacially sculpted topography, our school draws upon the spirit of a place that has inspired creativity through the ages, notably in the works of the Yeats family.

"The Interior Architecture and Design programme in ATU Sligo focuses on taking an environmentally-conscious approach to re-use, re-imagination and innovative re-invention of the existing built  environment.

"We challenge students to create imaginative responses to spatial problems, which cut across architectural aspects of place, cultural and built heritage and recognise the design-related needs and identity of clients.

"Through interactions with live clients, sites and diverse design projects, our students learn to create coherent spatial and sociological narratives.

"The Bachelor of Architecture at ATU Sligo is Ireland's newest architecture programme.

"Seeking new territories of experimentation with place, and endeavouring to engage with the transformative role of architecture, our aim is to stimulate social engagement and dialogue around the identity of the region.

"Building on this legacy and acknowledging the energy specific to this place, our architecture school aims to make a significant contribution to the cultural legacy of Sligo and its distinctive wealth of creative history.

"The challenges of the present demand a radical response to a future which demonstrates concern for both people and planet."

WERKhub CoWorking and Community Centre by Carmen Chok

"This centre is located in the old town of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The site emphasises the importance of social integration with spaces for communities and artistic activities.

"The project creates a co-working and community centre where people can meet, connect and collaborate.

"It aims to revive the historic core of the city by allowing both residents and visitors to engage with a new public realm, as well as facilitating access to additional services and commercial activity.

Student: Carmen Chok
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Elaine Regan and Rowan Watson
Email: carmenchok3621[at]gmail.com

A Sublime Transcendence by Karen Keaney

"A derelict industrial building in Sligo is reimagined as both a destination and a point of departure.

"It is a 'voyage back in time' that embraces travel, movement, memories and adventure as so many have done in years gone by.

"From the moment you cross the threshold and stroll down the monochromatic passageway, all your senses are heightened and there is a sense of anticipation.

"The space aims to foster memories and inspire new adventures."

Student: Karen Keaney
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa and Fiona Harte
Email: kkeaney10[at]gmail.com

House of Self-worship by David Carroll

"The proposed hotel within the Finisklin industrial estate aims to create a unique experience of splendour and spiritual wellbeing for those who stay.

"Visitors are encouraged to melt away stress and outside distraction, and allow themselves to indulge in their own company.

"Inserted elements appear as stretches of melted gold, curving and rounding within the fabric of the batchelor's warehouse to create a ambience of luxury and relaxation.

"They highlight the intricacy of the existing Hennebique system – a unique pattern of steel reinforced concrete that creates an intricate latticework of columns and beams.

"A large void spanning from the main lobby to the sky creates a vertical cloister, connecting all rooms to a central, brightly lit space."

Student: David Carroll
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa and Fiona Harte
Email: dplcarroll[at]hotmail.com

Al Faisaliyah Center Co-Working, Social and Event Centre by Ibtisam Dhafer

"Al Faisaliyah Centre is a quiet work and study space in the middle of the crowded city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"The space aims to encourage workers, freelancers and students to be more creative and productive by providing the services, space and resources needed to network with others.

"The space will combine different cultures of Saudi Arabia in one place.

"By utilising traditional motifs from different regions and incorporating materials that are used in heritage buildings, tradition is brought to the modern, contemporary world."

Student: Ibtisam Dhafer
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Elaine Regan and Masa Ruane Bratusa
Email: ibtisamdahfer[at]gmail.com

Growing Materiality – Is Mycelium the Material of the Future? by Rebecca Peacock

"This study aims to understand mycelium's potential and encourage a dialogue on how nature and humanity can co-exist to create a more sustainable future in design – fundamentally rethinking our relationship with nature.

"At present, materials used in the construction of buildings adversely affect the environment.

"Mycelium, on the other hand, flourishes on waste materials and only requires room temperature to grow, and is a product of some of the most fascinating organisms in the biosphere.

"This research investigates what mycelium is, its role within the ecosystem and its current uses within the creative industry, focusing primarily on mycelium as a material resource."

Student: Rebecca Peacock
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa and Claire Lorusso
Email: rebeccapeacock1990[at]gmail.com

Liquid - Solid - Void: Architecture of Mutable Landscapes by Daniel Tansey

"Liquid-Solid-Void: Architecture of Mutable Landscapes is a housing project that consists of 39 housing units designed as alternative accommodation to people currently served by the direct provision system, offering an inclusive means of settlement.

"The apartment block, located in Sligo's urban core, was designed to encourage interaction within the town to help combat the alienation sometimes felt by asylum seekers, aided by the permeability of structures within the block.

"The project also aims to enliven the historic 'Greenfort Precinct' of the city centre, as well as form a strong edge to the urban block, enclosing the public realm within."

Student: Daniel Tansey
Course: BA Architecture
Tutors: Mary Byrne, Dara Burke, Mark Stephens and Bernadette Donohoe
Email: danieltansey[at]icloud.com

Liquid | Solid | Void: Architecture of Mutable Landscapes by Abigail Higson

"The focus of my intention for the whole block are people – creating moments of connectivity and pauses in the lives of the public who utilise the community project, and the residents who previously might have felt invisible within society under the direct provision system.

"My intention was to create a sense of community through the use of the project's circulation space and to provide a strong visual connection to the surroundings by having large, external and internal stairways reflecting the landscape of Sligo and creating opportunities for social interactions.

Student: Abigail Higson
Course: BA Architecture
Tutors: Mary Byrne, Dara Burke, Mark Stephens and Bernadette Donohoe
Email: abigailhigson[at]yahoo.ie

Armada Interpretive Centre by Eoin Denver

"The Armada International Interpretive Centre will communicate the story of the wrecking of the Armada on Streedagh Beach.

"It will be a key tourist destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, providing an opportunity to focus on 'place'  – geo-morphological, mythological, social, historical and cultural – and inspiring visitors to explore further the landscape that bore witness to the tragic event of 1588.

"The project has a contemporary design that expresses regional, national and international identity.

"The Interpretive Centre's vision is to facilitate national and international access to found artefacts and potential research."

Student: Eoin Denver
Course: BA Architecture
Tutors: Dr Cliona Brady, Bernadette Donohoe and Michael Roulston

A Hymn to Freedom and Rebellion – Re-use of an Abandoned Jail Building 'Sligo Gaol' as a Hotel by Jasmine Lee

"A Hymn to Freedom and Rebellion is a celebration of enjoyment of life without hinderance or restraint.

"The design proposal is based on the enhancement of the structural elements left behind.

"Taking inspiration form the remnants of history, myths and ancient architecture, through the study of the abandoned jail building and its context, this project re-examines the operating structures of hotels.

"The metaphorical use of juxtaposed spaces ambiences and fragmentary conditions transforms the building into an immersive garden, where people can swim through the ruins of the past, redefining the hotel typology and subverting our perception of interior architecture."

Student: Jasmine Lee
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa and Rowan Watson
Email: leejasminelee[at]hotmail.com

Voyeur by Niamh McGeoghegan

"The re-design of batchelor's building, an abandoned industrial building, into a hotel is an invitation for visitors to be immersed in an experience, where one is welcomed by raw materials and connections to water.

"Our experience as humans – and inhabitants of the natural world – is referenced through the journey of the space as the cave-like expanse is experienced.

"The art of observing without being seen, in the niches found in the space, is a playful way for visitors to explore their own position in the world."

Student: Niamh McGeoghegan
Course: BA Interior Architecture and Design
Tutors: Masa Ruane Bratusa and Fiona Harte
Email: nmcg2002[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Atlantic Technological University Sligo. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.