Hi, I’m Caoimhe! (KWEE-VA)

I’m currently a MArch 1 student who is enjoying her time in SKN.
I’m originally from Ireland and moved to the UK to study my BA in Architecture at Liverpool John Moore’s University where I was nominated for the RIBA Bronze Presidents Medal 2022. I worked in London as a Part 1 Assistant for 2 years at Bennetts Associates where I experienced a range or projects from retrofit to highly ambitious BREAAM sustainable credits on new builds.
My passions lie in image creating, form making and interior design. I also have a huge love for the great outdoors. My current intrigues are placemaking, conceptual narrative and sustainable outputs, all which feel perfectly matched to the work we will do on the gorgeous chapels by Alfred Waterhouse.

Firstly, some background!

The Ince Cemetery Chapels are a slice of local history right in the heart of Ince. Built in the mid-1800s, these chapels were created by the Ince Burial Board, which was set up after the Burial Act of 1852 to improve burial practices and sanitation in the area. The land for the cemetery was purchased from John Walmesley, part of the Ince Hall Estate, and the site was split according to the town's religious makeup—two-thirds for Protestants and one-third for Catholics and Dissenters. The chapels were designed by the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse, known for his Victorian Gothic style, and completed in 1857. As Ince grew and more churches popped up, the chapels saw less use. Today, the cemetery and chapels are cared for by Wigan Council, standing as a fascinating reminder of the town's history and how it transformed during the industrial revolution.

DAY 4

Day 4 began with an introduction to the significance of modelmaking, particularly in the context of public consultation. We led a discussion on public engagement and inclusivity, emphasising how physical models play a crucial role in communicating proposals—especially for individuals with visual impairments. We highlighted that accessible, tangible models can help ensure all voices are heard during consultations, making the process more inclusive and equitable.

We also stressed the value of modelmaking when working with clients and stakeholders. Physical models serve as a bridge of understanding between designers and non-designers, making abstract ideas more tangible and facilitating clearer communication.

Following the lecture, students were introduced to the basics of 3D printing and the processes involved in producing digital models. Something they will look into over the following days.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to a hands-on task: creating physical models of the chapels at various scales. These models were to be used during the upcoming site visit and public engagement session. Students were encouraged to incorporate textures and architectural details that reflect the current state of the chapels, promoting authentic representation and expression.

DAY 4/5

We began our day with students finalising the physical models they had started on Day 4. There was clear progress across the group, with a range of exciting and expressive models beginning to take shape.

Following this, the focus shifted to preparing digital models for 3D printing. The Chapels Team was selected for this task due to their strong 3D modelling skillset. They were tasked with producing detailed Revit and Rhino models of the chapels, which would be used to create high-quality 3D prints. With guidance and tutorials from our Masters students, the team successfully finalised the digital models and exported them into slicing software in preparation for printing.

The 3D prints were scheduled for a total print time of approximately 30 hours over the weekend, ensuring they would be completed in time for the upcoming site visit. These prints are intended to be handed over to the clients to support future community engagement and consultation efforts.

DAY 5

Guinness Day!!! Our lovely little emotional support puppy Guinness came to offer some well needed hugs and kisses after a long week of working hard. She offered some critics on our models and told us we are doing fantastic and wants a dedicated dog treat section at INCE for when she visits.