Open Call for Architects
A paid opportunity for three Irish emerging architects to develop their co-design, creative placemaking and community engagement skills and experience in rural Kilkenny.
Deadline has been extended: Thursday, July 21st 2022 @ 5pm
Overview
In its second year, Town Ecologies invites three Irish emerging architects to develop their co-design, creative placemaking and community engagement skills and experience in rural Kilkenny. The selected architects will work alongside Workhouse Union, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and local community groups and stakeholders. Each of the three successful architecture practices will have a clear and defined role within a wider rural renewal project with practical experience supported by mentorship and research resources. The selected architecture practices will experience co-design, stakeholder/community, and local authority engagement first-hand. The opportunity will include engagement with hard-to-reach voices–enhancing your capacity in co-design and inclusion. The projects will realise tangible outcomes for the communities involved and provide a unique real-life learning platform for the selected architects.
Who
Emerging Irish architecture practices (collective and individual) are invited to apply. The opportunity is ideal for architects who wish to further develop their co-design, creative placemaking and community engagement skills and experience. Interpretation of the word ‘emerging’ is open to applicants. It could mean that you have recently graduated, or that your architecture practice has been established recently. It may also mean that you are returning to architecture or that you are an established architect and would like to gain new skills in co-design, creative placemaking and community engagement.
Context
Town Ecologies takes place within the broader context of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership’s next Rural Development Programme.
The balance of urban-rural development has moved to the heart of government and EU strategies; promised investment in rural Ireland and town renewal has created opportunities as policies emphasise circular economies, sustainability, connectivity, and human-environmental interactions. The activities include examining the current and potential challenges, highlighting the cultural, enterprise, and ecological assets, and identifying opportunities. These multifaceted processes include public engagement moments, research, and analysis to realise sustainable place-making through rural renewal activities.
Mentoring and Support
Each architect will be supported individually by the Workhouse Union team to develop their co-design and public engagement practice. Mentorship will be provided by the Kilkenny LEADER Partnership team.
When and Where
Town Ecologies takes place from August to November 2022 in County Kilkenny. Each specific timeline will be devised with the selected architect. The opportunity involves three weeks of active engagement (including remote work, engagement, and mentorship) and incorporates one week in Callan with resource access and mentorship at Workhouse Union. Workhouse Union’s library and research space will be readily available along with the PrintBlock Callan print studio and wood fabrication facilities.
Town Ecologies opportunity includes
_Architect fee of €3,500
_Support and Mentorship for three weeks of active engagement and research over four months
_ Up to one-week residential stay in Callan with full access to Workhouse Union resources. (research library, PrintBlock Callan studio) and accommodation at Fennelly’s of Callan. The duration of the stay is subject to the number of individuals travelling.
_Hands-on co-design, creative placemaking and community engagement opportunity within a rural renewal process.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is extended: Thursday, July 21st 2022 @ 5 pm. To apply, submit the following to info@callanworkhouseunion.com marked ‘Town Ecologies Proposal’:
_ Project portfolio containing at least 5 examples of previous work
_CV or biography
_Letter of motivation (1-2 A4 pages)
Please contact us with any questions regarding your eligibility and application.
The proposals will be assessed by a panel of four with members from Workhouse Union, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and a community representative.
Town Ecologies is led by Workhouse Union in collaboration with Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and funded by the Arts Council.