Digital Spatial Mapping of Vacant and Derelict properties

About this initiative

Dereliction and Vacancy Mapping has been recognised as a key element of sustainable urban renewal strategies and the availability of a clear and easily accessible data set is key to ensuring that opportunities related to underused buildings can be harnessed. For the last number of years TU Dublin Architecture students have been studying their local urban context, North Inner City and Grangegorman to identify opportunities for sustainable urban regeneration opportunities including the provision of housing and student accommodation. 

This project, with support from the TU Dublin SATLE Digital Education and Sustainability fund will build on the existing data gathered by students from the TU832 Bachelor of Architecture and TU282 Master of Architecture programmes and create digital maps using GIS tools to accurately show derelict and vacant properties in the vicinity of the TU Dublin City Campus. A digital repository will be created using a combination of fieldwork, on the ground research and mapping and implementation of GIS mapping software. 

The project will be delivered through existing elective modules in SABE which facilitate community based research and learning and equip students with the necessary soft skills to engage with stakeholders including local authorities and community representatives. The first stage will involve a small group of the Master of Architecture students developing the digital resource. The second stage will involve a group of Bachelor of Architecture students finalising the mapping and engaging in community engaged participatory projects to disseminate the information to relevant stakeholders.