News
“Moving Words”: Cancer Research and Architecture Centres Collaboration
In a unique fusion of creativity, community, and care Cancer Research @UCC and the Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE) have partnered to unveil Moving Words - a sculptural installation inspired by William Wordsworth’s Daffodils.
Created by the CCAE CO-LAB team, the piece aims to raise awareness for Cancer Research @UCC, particularly our survivorship trials that promote patient wellbeing throughout and beyond treatment.
The sculpture stands at the Cork Centre for Architectural Education and through this initiative the CO-LAB team engaged students and alumni in a meaningful collaboration that bridges the worlds of poetry, public health and design. The sculpture was developed with the hope of inspiring all who pass by to pause, reflect and support the work of Cancer Research @UCC.
Aoife Browne, Director of CO-LAB CCAE and lead creator of the installation: “We want to remind our students, staff, friends and wider community that, like in Wordsworth’s poem, getting out into nature and staying connected can lift the spirit. We hope these words move people to take care of themselves and, if possible, support Cancer Research @UCC.”
(Left to right) Dr. Samuel Vardy, Head of Department of Architecture (MTU), Aoife Browne, Creator of the sculptural piece, Director of CO-LAB CCAE, Niamh Hurley, MArch graduate from CCAE, Prof Roisin Connolly, Director of Cancer Research @UCC, Kerry Bryson, Director of Business Development and Advancement, UCC and CEO of the Cork University Foundation, Dr. Jason O'Shaughnessy, Director, CCAE Cork Centre for Architectural Education. Photo: Gerard McCarthy
Bridging Design and Medicine:
The project draws thoughtful parallels between architecture and oncology clinical trials. Just as scaffolding supports a building under construction, cancer survivorship trials at Cancer Research @UCC - like the Liam Mc trial and the LYSA trial - offer wraparound care that empowers patients to rebuild their lives after treatment. These trials provide structure and support to those rebuilding their lives with confidence after cancer treatment.
Prof Roisin Connolly, Director of Cancer Research @UCC says “Supporting people to live well through, with, and beyond cancer is a core strategic priority for our region. We look forward to expanding these vital services in the years ahead to further enhance patient care and outcomes”.
Dr. Jason O’Shaughnessy, Director, CCAE (UCC) said; “This is a wonderful initiative - the installation is great contribution in creating a new (micro)landscape in the city”.
The public are invited to view the piece for themselves for the coming weeks outside the front of the CCAE building on Douglas Street next to Nano Nagle Place.
To donate to CR@UCC visit: https://securealumni.ucc.ie/s/1901/bp19/interiorSecure.aspx?sid=1901&gid=2&pgid=1514&cid=3349&bledit=1&dids=85