Integrated Art lesson- Our Áras

Lesson 5

How is Áras an Uachtaráin similar or different to your own home?

In pairs discuss how Áras an Uachtaráin is similar and different to your own home. The teacher will compile a list of differences and a list of similarities on the interactive whiteboard. Why  is it different?

Whole class discussion: Would you like to live in Áras an Uachtaráin?

Stay in the same groups, you are going to plan and design a new Áras an Uachtaráin. You will use  cardboard, clay, paper, glue, fabrics and fibres etc..

First you must plan out your construction!

You must try and construct your own version of Áras an Uachtaráin in which your designated past president would like to live. 

Questions to keep in mind during planning and constructing:

• What is the purpose of Áras an Uachtaráin?
• Would you add more space to the building for the first family to live?
• What kind of space do you think they need?
• Remember that they need rooms for public entertainment, dinners, concerts, ceremonies etc.
• Will you introduce new technologies into the house?
• Will the staff live there too like they do today?
• Would you close off any rooms to the public, why or why not?

Here is a Glogster of the rooms and gardens of Áras an Uachtaráin to help inspire your design plan.



All photos in this Glogster © Richie McCann



Here are some more photographs of the rooms and gardens: Áras an Uachtaráin rooms and gardens

Fun fact: In 1782 his Nathaniel Clements son sold Áras an Uachtaráin to the Government for £10,000.