Abstract
The Shannon Scheme complex in Ireland, encompassing a dam (Ardnacrusha), canals, lakes, and bridges, is a significant infrastructure that extends beyond its physical impact to include historical and cultural dimensions. Built in the 1920s, it played a crucial role in the construction of the concept of nation in the newly independent Irish state, deeply shaping the landscape, local communities, and their dynamics, while inspiring cultural expressions. This paper presents the Eco Showboat project, which combined art and science, explored the interaction between natural and human flows and built infrastructure along the waterways of Ireland. It highlights the transposition of the Ardnacrusha locks, revealing the dam’s role in shaping the local landscape and the relationships communities have with this historical structure. Activities in the nearby communities of Limerick and Killaloe focused on raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting tangible actions for local and global sustainability. The project fostered dialogue with local communities, valuing their knowledge of river dynamics and showcasing how infrastructure can bridge past, present, and future. Despite physical barriers created by these technological monuments, the interactions underscored their potential to support reflections on environmental sustainability. This research emphasizes how built environments, despite their potential negative impacts, can address diverse human needs — both material and creative. They can become powerful catalysts for positive transformation, fostering connections within communities and their surroundings while inspiring action toward a more sustainable future.
Presenters
Maria Luiza De CastroProfessor, Post-graduate Program on Built Environment and Sustainable Heritage, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Minas Gerais, Brazil Rosa De Marco
Full Professor - co-director UR AMP, Architecture des Milieux, Territoires, Paysages, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris la Villette - UR AMP - "Architecture, Milieu, Paysage", France
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Eco showboat; Community engagement; Ardnacrusha; Cultural landscapes; Art and science
