Ryan McBride

The WaterLands studio’s interest lies in how architecture interacts with water. I began my thesis research by exploring water at many different scales. When exploring the conditions of water in Northern Ireland I investigated what is essentially the source of many of these conditions: the Mourne Mountains. Through identifying and enhancing a sense of journey to combat any disconnect with this source as such, the principal aim of the thesis project was to reconnect the Mourne mountains to the town of Newcastle, the wider landscape and the sea. 

My investigations of the Mourne mountains and analysis of possible sites focused the proposed scheme as a gateway building, amidst Thomas Quarry, a granite quarry sitting below the summit of Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard. The gateway building works on a number of scales, from bridging over the quarry enabling further journey up the mountain, to concealing the visual scarring created by man. The architecture of the proposal seeks to dramatise the experience of this unique site that invites visitors to rest and/or explore the geology, water, and history of the Mournes in a museum situated above the quarry floor. The scheme works with the landscape which commands panoramic views of Newcastle and the County Down coast.

The WaterLands studio has expanded my understanding of what architecture can be. The studio continually inspires students with an eye-opening education that creates a dialogue between various related disciplines beyond architecture such as art, literature and cartography. As an MArch student in the WaterLands Studio I have enjoyed taking on a mentoring role and sharing ideas and knowledge with students across all year groups in what is unique learning initiative: the SuperStudio. I found working with younger students and seeing their development inspiring. Having this experience has led me to consider a role in teaching in the future.