Architectural students in the west have been discussed the findings of a specialised project which explored the 'boundaries of belonging' experienced by Sligo residents.

The Institute of Technology students were at a conference called 'Space, Place and Nature: Connecting our Build Heritage & the Urban Environment' which was held in the local Glasshouse Hotel.

The students, who are studying Interior Architecture at IT Sligo heard several speakers including Senator David Norris and Minister of State Ciaran Cuffe.

The project saw them undertake interviews in schools, nursing homes and a range of community groups around Sligo, at the start of September to form the basis of their project, which explored how people identify and connect with their home town.

Interior Architecture lecturer at IT Sligo Michael Roulston said: "Interior Architecture is focused on the philosophy of 'reimagining', conservation, and the refurbishment and creative use of our existing built environment, and the project undertaken by these students examines the idea that public spaces are integral elements of our environment that can only be successfully appropriated by users through careful, connected and appropriate design.

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"This conference on Space, Place and Nature was about encouraging people to look at the quality of our public spaces and walking environment and the idea of Interior Architecture can offer both interesting and very timely solutions to these issues," he said.

The Interior Architecture Course at IT Sligo is the first course in Ireland or the UK to be accredited by the European Council of Interior Architects.

It is said to examine the practice of interior architecture as a means to break down the boundaries that lie between Architecture and Interior Design to offer an innovative and multi-disciplinary approach to the design of habitable spaces.

In doing so, it combines a variety of associated fields including architecture, furniture and product design, graphics, performing arts, fashion, and art.

The college said that traditionally, architects have focused from the shell of a building outwards into the built environment- interior architects turn their focus inwards as well by acknowledging that the interior environment is both influenced by, and influential upon, the architectural whole.

The search for ways to achieve a sustainable future is to the forefront of the interior architects practice and the importance of utilizing informed technology and preserving or re-purposing existing buildings has a critical focus.

Interior Architecture is a relatively new but expanding area of study in Ireland and the UK within which I.T Sligo is one of the leaders in the field.

The Sligo course is said to be unique: drawing on expertise in architecture, design, construction, technology and teaching methodology to offer a curriculum which is finely tuned towards the possibilities of this rapidly evolving profession.

(BMcC/KMcA)