We had a fantastic evening at the Mick Lally Theatre in Galway, where directors Stephen Proctor and Andrew Matthews presented ‘Clachans: Narratives for New Neighbourhoods’. The event formed part of the Architecture at the Edge Festival and explored the practice’s innovative approach to designing residential communities, including our recent project at Wilkinson’s Brook, Tyrrelstown, Fingal. 

Drawing inspiration from historic Irish Clachan clusters, Stephen and Andrew presented how to create higher density, low-rise neighbourhoods that foster identity and belonging - offering an alternative to car-dominated suburbia.

The evening included a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Eoin Flaherty (NUIM), author of Rundale and 19th Century Irish Settlement, who brought additional insights into Ireland’s historical settlement patterns.

As the leading advocate for architectural excellence in the west of Ireland, Architecture at the Edge investigates the role and impact of architecture in our lives and the world we live in. The festival emphasises how design can enhance the quality of life while addressing societal issues through responsible architecture.