Diarmuid Gavin – The Emergence of a Contemporary Garden
Diarmuid Gavin – The emergence of a contemporary garden video
Distinguished Lecture: The Emergence of a Contemporary Garden
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Newton building, NTU City site
Diarmuid Gavin's presentation was the first public lecture in the newly re-opened Newton building.
Lecture synopsis
A personal reflection of the developments which help to loosen the shackles of our gardening pasts and allow a nation of garden lovers to embrace different creativity and ideas which, up to recently, have been alien to our enjoyment of outer spaces.
Speaker biography
TV favourite Diarmuid Gavin regularly uses unconventional materials and innovative engineering solutions in a bid to break the taboos surrounding what should be designed into garden spaces. He has been inspired by such diverse sources as Michael Jackson videos, Star Trek, Vivienne Westwood and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry.
Having studied amenity horticulture at the Botanic Gardens, Dublin, Diarmuid established his own garden design business in the 1990s and went on to win prestigious prizes at events such as the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. The modern and vibrant city garden design which he entered for the show in 1996 had such an impact that he was instantly signed up for TV. He is now well-known for his appearances on programmes such as Home Front, Planet Patio, Art of the Garden, Gardens Through Time, Garden School and Diarmuid's Big Adventure.
His unique approach and broad appeal have earned him a high profile in the media. He writes for national newspapers and has authored several books on garden design. He also delivers seminars internationally on issues such as the development of the modern garden.
Although his garden design and construction business – based in Dublin and London – now engages in projects across Europe, the Middle East and South Africa, he has still found time to support NTU and has assisted with academic programmes and visits the University informally to lend his expert advice.
In 2006, his encouragement helped inspire NTU students to win a bronze medal at the Gardeners' World Live exhibition. In 2007, Diarmuid received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Art from NTU in recognition of his international reputation for contemporary garden designs.
