Initially, my project was about industrialism and my inspiration was from the metropolitan cathedral in Liverpool. However, during my research on multi-faith centres, I found myself more interested in the theme of primitivism instead. This then became the main theme of my project, and one of the architectural influences that inspired me was the clochans found in Ireland, because of their history and shape.

Clochans are located in County Kerry, Ireland and they are ancient beehive huts dating from the 8th to 12th centuries (Jones, 2022). They were built in early Christian or prehistoric Irish architectural styles and served various purposes such as residences, storage areas, places of worship and they offer insights into the austere lifestyle of monks (Aalen, 1964).They have an historical and cultural significance because they represent the early Christian communities. Researching on them is important for my multi-faith centre project because the centre aims to include diverse cultural heritage.

Clochans are located in County Kerry, Ireland and they are ancient beehive huts dating from the 8th to 12th centuries (Jones, 2022). They were built in early Christian or prehistoric Irish architectural styles and served various purposes such as residences, storage areas, places of worship and they offer insights into the austere lifestyle of monks (Aalen, 1964).They have an historical and cultural significance because they represent the early Christian communities. Researching on them is important for my multi-faith centre project because the centre aims to include diverse cultural heritage.
The beehive shape of Clochans has both practical and symbolic aspects. "In practical terms, it offers structural stability, weather resistance, and wind resistance" (HoneyBee & Co, 2022). They also symbolise unity, spirituality, and a connection to nature because they are made of stones which makes them durable. The Clochans huts have functional benefits for weather protection and structural stability which something I should research more about due to Zambia's climate.
Picture Reference
Sinclair Tammers,( no date) Ancient beehive hut, Available at: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/607347/view/ancient-beehive-hut [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
Reference
Jones, P. (2022). The Beehive Huts of South West Kerry. [online] Owlcation. Available at: https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Beehive-Huts-of-South-West-Kerry [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
Aalen, F.H.A. (1964). Clochans as Transhumance Dwellings in the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, [online] 94(1), pp.39–45. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25509548?seq=1 [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
HoneyBee & Co. (2022). 5 Incredible Buildings Inspired By Beehives | HoneyBee & Co. [online] Available at: https://honeybeeandco.uk/5-incredible-buildings-inspired-by-beehives/#:~:text=Despite%20their%20primitive%20appearance%2C%20the [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
Picture Reference
Sinclair Tammers,( no date) Ancient beehive hut, Available at: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/607347/view/ancient-beehive-hut [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
Reference
Jones, P. (2022). The Beehive Huts of South West Kerry. [online] Owlcation. Available at: https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Beehive-Huts-of-South-West-Kerry [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
Aalen, F.H.A. (1964). Clochans as Transhumance Dwellings in the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, [online] 94(1), pp.39–45. Available at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25509548?seq=1 [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
HoneyBee & Co. (2022). 5 Incredible Buildings Inspired By Beehives | HoneyBee & Co. [online] Available at: https://honeybeeandco.uk/5-incredible-buildings-inspired-by-beehives/#:~:text=Despite%20their%20primitive%20appearance%2C%20the [Accessed 20 Mar. 2024].
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