Summer Research Series: Peggy Donovan - Architecture

Architecture student Peggy Donovan is participating in the summer research programme at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We recently met with Peggy to ask about the programme and what she was investigating.

Course: Bachelor of Architecture

Supervisor: Associate Professor Jan Frohburg

Name of Research Project/Activity: Sustainable Communities in Our Town Centres

Why did you decide to study Architecture at UL? 

Growing up in rural Co. Limerick there wasn’t always much to do outside the house. I spent many hours as a child building cities and worlds out of LEGO. I would spend long car journeys looking at all the buildings we passed along the way. When I went to secondary school, I loved DCG, maths and technology which in every careers class left me with two options – architecture and engineering. After discussing the pros and cons of each option with both qualified architects and engineers I chose architecture as it has a more creative design focus. A year into my studies at UL I’m happy to say I made the right choice. 

What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme? 

I applied for the Summer Bursary Programme because I felt it would be a great opportunity to undertake a project grounded in my personal areas of interest. I felt that ten weeks was the perfect amount of time to get a feel for architectural research. I was delighted to be awarded the Bursary and to work with Jan Frohburg over the summer break.

What are you doing as part of your research here at UL? 

My project focuses on how sustainable communities could be created in our town centres, taking Tipperary Town as an example. Tipperary Town is a historic town full of beautiful architectural details but unfortunately is it also a town that has experienced long periods of economic hardship, the effects of which can be clearly seen in the empty shopfronts and vacant above the shop units that plague the town. As is well known, the most sustainable building is the one that has already been built. My primary focus is on how vacant and derelict buildings on the main street could be reimagined to the benefit of the community with a focus on social inclusion. Tipperary has a dependency ratio of 57:1 and nearly a third of the town’s population doesn’t have access to a car. These factors mean that a close relationship between housing and facilities is essential. Most of the towns key amenities are located within a walking distance of the main street so I am looking at the factors that could make a walkable community on the Main Street, and what’s missing.

What skills have you developed over the summer? 

Over the course of my project, I have developed many skills. The bursary presented me with the opportunity to do several things I had never done before such as organising and conducting interviews, collating large amounts of information and developing CAD skills. It challenged me to find alternative solutions to various roadblocks and to persevere.

What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others? 

Being my first journey into research I have learnt much from this experience. I found it so interesting to learn about the history of the town and how the past can create problems that are not necessarily obvious. I learnt a lot about the work already being done to improve town centres across the country and the amount of work being done behind the scenes. I would recommend this experience to others. I learnt a lot and it was a very interesting first step into architectural research. I enjoyed being able to dedicate a large chuck of time to a project and be able to present the outcomes in a way that did it justice.   

What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research? 

I hope to be able to work in restoration in the future. Naturally this lends itself to research as historical context is important in restoration. I have really enjoyed this experience and believe it will stand to me going forward.