The Mall, Sligo, Ireland
T : +353 71 9141405 / F : +353 71 9143694 / info@modelart.ie

The ARCHITECTS :
SHERIDAN WOODS Architects + Urban Planners

Sheridan Woods Architects + Urban Planners are an architectural and planning practice established in 1997 by Charlotte Sheridan and Kevin Woods. Based in Dublin, the company are a multi-disciplinary award winning practice engaged in architecture and planning for the public and private sector.  They are Members of the RIAI (Royal Institutes Of Architects of Ireland) and IPI (Irish Planning Institutes) and have RIAI Grade III Conservation Accreditation. Their skill in architecture, urban design and planning coupled with a holistic and sustainable approach to architecture, urban design, planning is adopted in the design and implementation of all of their projects.

The practice was short listed and then won the International Architectural Competition for the design of a Cultural Quarter for Sligo. They have now successfully secured planning permission for a major extension to the Model Arts and Niland Gallery. Sheridan Woods have created their design in close consultation with the Board, Director, staff and other stakeholders of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.

The DESIGN CONCEPT was to protect and enhance the unique qualities and character of the existing building, which have made it so successful, while making skilful interventions which significantly enhance the flexibility and dynamic of the facility. The design will create an exciting new entrance from the new Cultural Quarter Civic Space with a striking bright modern façade presenting a new face to the building. The materials and lines of the new extension have been carefully drawn from that of the existing building to harmonise and continue the juxtaposition of old and new which has characterised the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.

The CIVIC SPACE will feature as a high quality public area linking the Model and the Museum. Both cultural facilities will be accessible from the civic space which will have linkages to the Mall and to Connaughton Road. The Civic Space has been designed to compliment both cultural facilities, capable of being used with ease by either facility and by others to stage outdoor events. Additionally it will act as a quality urban space, a destination in itself, for the enjoyment of residents and visitors within a cultural precinct.

The Model’s renovations began in MAY 2008 and continue throughout 2009. The Model will be closed during this period but will operate offsite and from a satellite space in the centre of sligo

TIMESCALE

Planning permission for The Model Arts and Niland Redevelopment was secured in November 2006. Groundwork at the back began on site in July 2007. Interior redevelopment began in mid 2008 and the external and extension works are due to start in March 2009. Works are due for completion at the end of 2009.