The Shared Spoon

Munster Technological University

Idea projektu

The Shared Spoon is an adaptive reuse project that transforms the existing Old Mill building in Clonakilty into a community-focused food culture centre centred around education, heritage, and social interaction. The project responds to the historic and industrial character of the existing structure while introducing contemporary public spaces that encourage cultural exchange through food, learning, and shared experience.

The concept was developed through observational sketching and spatial studies exploring tapering, thresholds, and framed views. Inspired by natural layering and onion studies, tapering became a key spatial strategy used to guide circulation, create moments of compression and release, and encourage curiosity throughout the building. The proposal balances preservation and intervention by retaining the character of the mill while introducing restrained architectural elements that support new public functions.

The scheme includes a recipe archive exhibition, demonstration kitchen, restaurant, farmers’ workshop, and communal learning spaces that celebrate local food traditions, sustainable farming, and cultural diversity. By reconnecting people with food heritage and community interaction, The Shared Spoon aims to create an inclusive and socially engaging destination within Clonakilty.

Popis projektu

Project Description

The Shared Spoon is a community-focused food culture centre located within the existing Old Mill building in Clonakilty. The project explores the adaptive reuse of a historic industrial structure, transforming it into a public space centred around food, education, heritage, and social interaction. The proposal responds to the need for inclusive community spaces that encourage cultural exchange while preserving the architectural identity of the existing building.

The design process was informed through observational sketching, mapping studies, and conceptual explorations of tapering and layering. Inspired by onion studies and natural forms, tapering became a key spatial strategy used to guide circulation, frame views, and create moments of compression and release throughout the building. This approach encourages gradual discovery, interaction, and visual connection between spaces.

The scheme includes a recipe archive exhibition, demonstration kitchen, restaurant, farmers’ workshop, and communal learning spaces designed to celebrate local food traditions, farming heritage, and cultural diversity. Open visual connections between programmes allow visitors to observe workshops, cooking demonstrations, and shared activities, encouraging curiosity and participation throughout the building.

The proposal carefully balances preservation and intervention by retaining the industrial character of the Old Mill while introducing restrained architectural insertions that remain clear, lightweight, and buildable. Materiality, lighting, and circulation were carefully considered to create warm and welcoming public environments that support accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement. Through food and shared experience, The Shared Spoon aims to strengthen connections between people, culture, and place within Clonakilty.

Technické informace

The project is an adaptive reuse intervention within the existing Old Mill building in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. The proposal retains the original masonry structure and industrial character of the building while introducing contemporary architectural insertions designed to support public and community-focused functions.

The design was developed through observational drawing, conceptual sketching, and digital modelling, with tapering used as a key spatial strategy to guide circulation, frame views, and create layered threshold conditions throughout the building. The intervention prioritises clarity, buildability, and minimal impact on the existing fabric, allowing the historic structure to remain visually dominant.

A restrained material palette consisting of timber, glass, exposed masonry, and concrete was used to create a warm and cohesive architectural atmosphere. Bespoke furniture and joinery were designed specifically for the project to reinforce the spatial language and enhance the user experience throughout the building. Careful consideration was given to material specification, lighting, spatial organisation, and detailing to ensure consistency across all areas of the proposal.

The scheme includes a recipe archive exhibition, restaurant, demonstration kitchen, farmers’ workshop, communal seating areas, and accessible amenities. Fire safety, accessibility, and circulation were integrated throughout the design to support inclusive and safe public use. Sustainability was addressed through the reuse of the existing structure, material restraint, and the promotion of local food production, cultural education, and community engagement.

Dokumentace

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