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Project title

Climate change and managed retreat in Ireland: coproducing pathways for just adaptation with vulnerable communities

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

New low-carbon, resilient and green approaches to infrastructure have major implications for urban spaces and landscapes. Infrastructure has also become a key topic of debate in design theory leading to the emergence of new infrastructure design visions and practices. It is widely suggested that new infrastructures can be designed as �multifunctional� systems, taking advantage of potential ecological, aesthetic, cultural and educational benefits. However, now that new approaches to design are being realized, it is important to investigate their logics and implications. Correspondingly, the overall aim of this thesis is to explore the origins and implications of new approaches to designing urban infrastructures. This includes investigating which actors and institutions are involved, what model of design (and design expertise) is adopted in different settings and what interests and agendas underpin new approaches to design. Evidence has been collected through two case studies of green, climate-resilient design in Copenhagen and Sheffield involving 42 research interviews. This demonstrates that, in both case studies, the uptake of seemingly innovative design strategies is linked to entrepreneurial urban development strategies and is likely to contribute to the exclusion of marginalized groups from redesigned public spaces. More generally, the analysis shows that understanding new design visions and practices requires exploring their material, institutional and economic context. Overall, the thesis explores an under-researched and under-valued dimension of urban development. It establishes a conceptual framework to guide future research in a field that will become increasingly important. Its key contribution is to provide new perspectives and in-depth analysis of both contemporary visions of infrastructure design and on the infrastructure design process.

Grant Approved

�96,417

Research Hub

Climate research

Research Theme

Being prepared for Ireland�s future climate.

Start Date

01/09/2021

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2023