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Anson Prof Brian Anson, Bordeaux F

COMMUNITY PLANNING IN IRELAND / WEST DONEGAL: THE FUTURE AND THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC CULTURE

Twice commissioned by the Irish government (1970 & 1981) to prepare strategic plans for 400 square miles of the "gaeltacht" (Irisch-speaking) areas of West Donegal. Most isolated province of Ireland on Atlantic coast. Strong traditional vernacular cultures - architecture, language, music, social tradition. Method of planning based on philosophy that "The People" have the wisdom, and knowledge - going back centuries - to be an integral part of the planning process.
Resultant project was not a "fixed" plan, but more a living organism shaped by the people, and adaptable to change by the people. Unique devices used in the project: for example, the concept of the BLEAK SCENARIO - a serious examination of what would happen if the people were NOT involved in the process. Resultant project was not a PLAN, but a LIVING MECHANISM for planning and design.