During May and June of this past summer (2017) Professors Ariel Solis, Robin Johnson, and Rhonda Root began a faculty research project that started recording and investigating traditional Irish cottages (post-famine) along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This project is affiliated with the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, which is within the Cuilcagh Mountain Region along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

While in Ireland our research focused on three sites: Moneygashel Cashel (Co Cavan), located in the Republic of Ireland, and Gortmaconnell and Legnabrocky (Co Fermanagh) in Northern Ireland. Documenting of the sites involved recording the architecture by using photographs, drone flights, laser and tape measuring, hand-graphed field sketches of plans, elevations, perspectives, and details of various features. Photographs and drone images will also be used to create non-invasive photogrammetry models. Back on campus, work continued on researching precedent of architectural features and details; producing hand drafted and digital architectural renderings; restoration images of the ruined cottages; illustrative watercolors; and compiling a writing record on the history and culture of the region (this history is the work of our Irish team member, Gaby Burns, a local historian).