Emma Curley
Architecture
Urban design
Facilitation

Carlow Town Master Plan

Emma Curley, in her role for Murray O’Laoire Architects, headed the urban design team for the Carlow Town Master Plan which centres on reshaping Carlow as a Model for Sustainable Living and creates the framework for Carlow to realise its potential to become a major player in the south-east system of towns and cities.

The Civic Vision encompasses a broad range of issues critical to the future economic, cultural and residential development of Carlow Town. It centres on the historic core of Carlow town and included architectural, urban design and best-use guidance for its co-ordinated development. The strategy aims to nurture the growth of industrial, commercial, tourism, residential and arts activities, integrating them both economically and spatially in the town.

An innovative approach to implementing the final strategy was evolved which incorporates comprehensive town council involvement and public participation in realising the architectural and urban design solutions.

The Master Plan was awarded Certificates of Merit in the categories of Planning Achievement and Urban Design at the Irish Planning Institute, National Planning Awards 2002:

“The manner in which sustainable solutions were sought and the “Quarter” strategy approach used is a model which can be reused by urban designers and planners throughout the State. This project has made, and will make, a significant contribution to that often misunderstood interface between town planning, urban design and architecture…”
IPI Citation 2002