Architecture: When the past becomes a prologue to a long future

Award-winning Cork firm JCA Architects encourages its clients to see the opportunities rather than barriers when it comes to old buildings

St Patrick’s Bridge in Cork city was restored and is illuminated by its original gas lamps

To build the foundations of a strong future, it’s imperative that we look at the past. When it comes to applying that approach to our built environment, that means retaining some of our oldest buildings and bringing them along the journey into the future.

That’s the view of Gareth O’Callaghan, a director and conservation specialist at JCA Architects.

The award-winning, multi-disciplinary firm was established by (recently retired) architect Jack Coughlan in 1985, and is headquartered ...