Designing Tomorrow: TU Dublin students explore the future of Granard
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An innovative collaboration between TU Dublin and Longford County Council is bringing a fresh perspective to the future of Granard, with architecture students producing a detailed streetscape model, building surveys and design proposals highlighting the town’s architectural character and potential.
Led by TU Dublin’s School of Architecture, Building and Environment, in partnership with Longford County Council’s Planning Section, the project combines architectural research, practical analysis and creative design to explore how Granard’s built environment could inform future regeneration and development.
The students’ work will be presented at a public exhibition in Granard Library and Áras an Chontae in Longford Town, giving local communities and visitors an opportunity to discover the town through the eyes of the next generation of architects.
Through detailed building surveys and public realm analysis, the students have developed a comprehensive record of Granard’s existing built environment, documenting its architectural character while identifying opportunities for future investment and development.
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The exhibition will feature a physical model of the town’s streetscape, alongside the students’ design proposals and architectural presentation drawings. Together, these works demonstrate how careful research and thoughtful design can support conversations about regeneration, heritage and sustainable development.
The project also highlights the value of connecting architectural education with real-world challenges, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a local context while contributing research that may help inform future planning and development discussions.
This is the second consecutive year that TU Dublin’s School of Architecture, Building and Environment has focused its research on County Longford. Last year, students explored the town of Ballymahon, building a foundation for an ongoing partnership between the university and the local authority.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, "Granard has a rich history and a distinctive character, and it is fascinating to see it interpreted through the eyes of the next generation of architects. The students have produced work of an exceptional standard, highlighting both the strengths of the town and opportunities for its future development. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see how thoughtful design and careful research can help shape the future of our communities.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Samantha Healy praised the students' approach: "What makes this project particularly impressive is the depth of research carried out by the students and the practical value their work offers. They have created a detailed record of Granard’s built environment that will support future discussions around regeneration, heritage and sustainable development. The quality of the work demonstrates how collaboration between local government and higher education can deliver real benefits for communities.”
Longford County Council Architect Ciara Reynolds said, “It has been a pleasure to welcome the TU Dublin students back to County Longford for a second successive year. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and attention to detail have resulted in a body of work that offers a fresh perspective on Granard and its potential. We have built a strong partnership with the university, and we are excited about the prospect of continuing this collaboration and exploring other towns across the county in the years ahead.”
Public Exhibition Details
The exhibition will run in two phases:
Granard Library: Wednesday evening, 28 October to Monday morning, 2 November (during normal library hours)
Áras an Chontae Atrium: Tuesday, 3 November to Monday morning, 16 November (during office hours)
This collaboration connects architectural education with real world community needs. Through direct engagement with Granard’s built environment, the students have produced building surveys and public realm analysis that provide a valuable record of the town’s current condition and architectural character.
More information about the Public Exhibition is available here.