IAF National Training Day for National Architects in Schools Initiative, 24 September 2016. Featured L to R: Jack Baker (architect), Duncan Stewart (architect & environmentalist), Sile Stewart (IAF Office & Production Manager), Jennifer Halton (IAF Education Curator), and Alex Stupar (architecture graduate)

Autumn Shenanigans at Charleville Castle!

On Saturday 24 September, the IAF gathered with a fantastic group of architects and teachers amidst the stunning surrounds of Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co Offaly, for the National Architects in Schools Training Day 2016!

The day was a huge success with all our teachers and architects getting stuck in to their projects with great gusto. The day began with a  series of presentations by IAF team members Jennifer Halton and Sile Stewart, followed by short case studies of NASI projects in Dublin and Cork, delivered by architect Evelyn D’Arcy and teacher Cathal O’ Donovan (Kinsale Community School).

Evelyn discussed her projects with St. Mary’s Secondary School in Glasnevin and Stanhope St. Girls Secondary School in Stoneybatter, and shared the particularly exciting news that her project with the TY students in Stanhope St. in 2013-14 became a reality this summer when the Lauritzen Foundation gave a philanthropic donation to the school to materialise Evelyn and her students’ designs for a new canteen! This exciting news was the most popular story on Architecture Ireland’s AIextra journal last week … You can read more HERE!

Cathal discussed the fascinating project he undertook with his students at Kinsale Community School during the 2015-16 term with architect Gareth O’ Sullivan of Simply Architecture. Cathal’s students opted to design an integrated walkway between the school’s two main buildings, incorporating social spaces along the way. The design as a whole emphasised the concept of natural ‘Flow’ and the main walkway structure emulated the spine of a fish, inspired by the maritime environment of Kinsale Harbour.

Afternoon sessions!

The afternoon followed with a talk by environmentalist and architect Duncan Stewart on ‘Encouraging a Culture of Sustainability’. Duncan then set the group a task of designing a sustainable school with zero carbon footprint that used natural and sustainable energy sources. We divided the audience into groups of 6 and 7 and sent them on their merry way to their design stations.

Amidst a frenzy of learning and laugher, the results were truly fantastic – Take a look below!

Thanks to all who travelled far and wide to attend on the day, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour over the course of the year!