Building Ireland

Building Ireland is an educational television series produced by the Ireland-based production company, Indigenius, first aired in 2013. The aim of the show is to explore the rich history, culture, terrific architecture, and engineering that helped build Ireland as we know it today.

Distinguished by its unique approach to covering Irish history and development, Building Ireland takes a detailed look at the engineering, geography, and architecture that not only gave origin to Ireland’s manmade landscapes, but also helped shape the nation's history. It takes its audience on an exploratory journey, highlighting major urban cities, charming rural villages, iconic landmarks, monuments, and infrastructure that have played significant roles in Ireland's historical timeline.

Each episode of Building Ireland features a team of enthusiastic experts who are well established in their respective fields - comprising an architect, a geographer, and an engineer. They each provide their perspective from their field of expertise, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in each episode. This approach not only reveals the important aspects of the building process, but it also gives viewers unique insights into the vision, ingenuity, and innovative strategies that these key players implemented, and which gradually steered Ireland towards the remarkable country that it is today.

The show’s architect explores the architectural style and aesthetic design of various structures, explaining their significance and the influence they had on society during their creation, as well as the impacts they have on the present day. The geographer not only covers the geographical layouts of the landscapes, but also delves deep into the environmental factors that have influenced the construction and design of Ireland's most iconic manmade structures. Meanwhile, the engineer breaks down complex engineering principles into understandable pieces, illuminating how these structures came into existence and continue to stand to the present day.

Building Ireland’s choice of locations for each episode is also noteworthy as they traverse lesser-known rural areas and celebrated urban settings alike. Exploring iconic landmarks like Hook Head Lighthouse, Kylemore Abbey, and O’Connell Street in Dublin, to landmarks that aren't typically associated with mainstream tourism like Ardnacrusha in County Clare, the series affords the audience remarkable insights into the diverse architecture and engineering feats that dot Ireland's landscape. The experts not only study these units in isolation but also examine how they integrate into the broader landscape and socio-cultural context.

The series presents its content in a manner that captivates both general viewers and enthusiasts of history, architecture, and engineering. The experts' personable nature, combined with their passion for detail and high standards of accuracy, makes the series stimulating and enjoyable. Simple animations, graphics, and detailed maps are used throughout the series to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the complex topics being discussed.

In addition to showcasing Ireland's architectural and engineering triumphs, Building Ireland also elaborates on Ireland's cultural heritage, and underscores the connection between a society’s culture and its structures. Several episodes feature interviews with local historians, authors, and people who have personally experienced or been part of the construction, maintenance, and utilization of these structures. These shared tales foster a strong sense of shared history and heritage, while also personifying the iconic structures themselves.

In summary, Building Ireland brings to the forefront Ireland’s intriguing past, filled with an array of architectural designs, engineering feats, and the geographical challenges that were overcome to create the Ireland we see today. It’s not just about brick and mortar, steel and stone. Rather, it is about the stories and people behind these structures, an intrinsic part of the nation's rich cultural tapestry. The series is a fantastic blend of learning and entertainment, providing viewers with a fresh lens to appreciate the beauty and historical significance of some of Ireland’s most well-loved sights. Whether you’re a student of architecture, a history enthusiast or just a casual viewer, Building Ireland is a 'one-of-a-kind' viewing experience, showcasing creativity, resilience and ingenuity at its best.