The thesis question is derived from an observation that Castledermot is struggling to find an increase in economic development, since the town was bypassed in 2009. The N9 road used to congest the town with an estimated 17,000 daily users, which constricted the towns' development. The M9 was then constructed which alleviated much of this issue, falling to an estimated 2,000 daily users commuting through the towns main road per day. What can landscape architects do to better use the land in a way that will facilitate economic development in this area?
The Thesis exploration started by taking a look at Castledermot’s existing features, physiologically, ecologically and historically. There was an initial analysis done on demographics, broad history and features such as circulation.
From this analysis there were clear motives which could be brought into the conceptual phase of the design process. Namely;
River Lerr, Historic Wall & Old Market Square