Institute of Technology, Sligo is delighted to announce the launch of a BA (Hons) in Architectural Design, which is professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
This degree course offers students a clear path of progression towards a career in Architecture.
IT Sligo is now the only provider of architectural education in the north-west of Ireland. It is also the sole centre in the west of the country to have a RIBA-validated Architecture degree, which is recognised globally.
The course focuses on what is expected to be a growing need in Ireland – the transformation of buildings from traditional purposes to contemporary and sustainable re-use.
” Our programme is tailored to tap into the potential for repurposing, restoring, and reimagining existing buildings in addition to fulfilling the criteria for mainstream architectural education ,” explained Bernadette Donohoe, Programme Chair for Architectural Design at IT Sligo.
“For too long, the tendency in Ireland has been to knock down existing buildings and make way for new ones, with little consideration for the urban fabric, conservation of our heritage and the carbon footprint that building a new structure leaves,” she said. “People are beginning to take a more considered and sustainable approach towards building development.”
Trevor McSharry, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction at IT Sligo, expressed his delight with the launch of the new programme. He believes it will cater for a growing skills need in Ireland. “Reuse and retro-fitting of existing buildings will lead to significant employment in the near future,” he said. “Given the reported emerging shortage of construction graduates, now is a great time to study in this field as the construction sector recovers to a sustainable level of activity. “
IT Sligo pioneered Interior Architecture 15 years ago. The course was the first to achieve formal recognition from the European Council of Interior Architects.
For more information on IT Sligo’s new course offerings, visit www.courses.itsligo.ie.
Pictured: IT Sligo graduate James Huxley preparing for a student exhibition.