Design Studio Thesis Project : A New Point of Market Activity - Reconnecting the Town with the Sea​

 

Kinsale is a vibrant, historic and picturesque town set on the mouth of the River Bandon with a unique heritage and facilities.  While the function of the town has evolved over time, Kinsale has retained its unique character and has become one of Irelands most admired towns and popular tourist destinations.  It is a medieval town, with Norman, Spanish and English influences.

 

The site is at the end of Pearse Street, in the heart of the town centre.  At present the site is an ugly looking temporary carpark.  However historic maps show that this site was always built up with large buildings, which were prominent architectural landmarks due to their location.  This site since it was first reclaimed from the sea has always been built up.  It is only in the last twenty years that the site has been cleared and left derelict.  IN IT'S PRESENT SITUATION THE SITE OFFERS NO FRONTAGE TO THE HARBOUR.

 

At present the town centre faces into itself and ignores the scenic harbour which is what has made Kinsale what it is today.  THIS BUILDING EMBRACES THE HARBOUR RECONNECTING THE TOWN WITH THE SEA.  The dense urban fabric of the walled town did not allow for any significant public space, today Kinsale is lacking in defined public space for the people of the town and tourists, THIS SHELTERED MARKET PLACE WILL FUNCTION AS A PUBLIC SPACE which will also have a strong connection with the water and surrounding views of the harbour.

 

The position of the site is pivitol to the urban structure of Kinsale.  Market Quay was a narrow waterway which connected the old town to the sea, when the town was extended in the early 1700's.  This historical axis connects the site with Market Quay and the Old Holy Stone.  The river extended right up to the heart of the old town, boats delivered their goods right up to these squares, which were always areas of great activity.  My building is a new point of Market activity which reconnects the town with the sea