The Fortified Coastline

The Fortified Coastline is an exploration of the built environment on the Irish coastline, surveying the architecture of recreational space that exists, often in discord with the purpose of the space and the unrestrained natural environment. A linear interface between nature and the encroachment of human development, the coastline reflects a space of contradictions. By establishing a series of fortifications these recreational spaces reflect systems adopted by societies and authorities, the boundaries of which may be physical or psychological. Fluctuating between utilitarian and recreational, functional and ornate, these artificial structures and buildings of current and former use jar with the fluidity of the surrounding environment. Nature is often portrayed as a threat as coastal reinforcements are implemented to guide persons away from perceived risks. Multiple fortifications including urban furniture encourage us to observe the natural environment from the safety of the man-made, be it from behind a wall, or a bench, beyond which lies a configuration of warnings. When viewed collectively, patterns become evident demonstrating a culture of coastal space of repetition, each varying only in aesthetics.