Evan Johnston first visited Kylemore with the 2023 Summer Engineering & Environmental Science Program. While here, he visited the iconic Kylemore Gothic chapel. Little did he know he would get to know it much more intimately in the future!

In 2024, Evan had the opportunity to return to Kylemore and work on a research project funded by the Nanovic Institute. "The purpose of the research project is to establish an efficient and reliable photography process which could be easily adapted to photograph and model up to three thousand identified Irish church properties that are in danger of being sold, restored, or repurposed," Evan explains. In order to develop the models, Evan took over 10,000 photos.

Evan shares: "Kylemore Abbey is truly a place like no other. I've been blessed to spend four weeks at Kylemore studying abroad with Notre Dame and researching the digital modeling of the Gothic Chapel. Kylemore is an ideal retreat characterized by the peaceful, natural beauty of the adjacent lake and mountainous landscape, and the rich history memorialized in the estate's architecture and Victorian gardens. Its people are the pinnacle of hospitality and are more than happy to share the legacy of Kylemore with all visitors. I believe its continued success not only as a popular tourist attraction but also as a center of ministry and higher education are great fruits of the devout, discerning stewardship of the Benedictine community that calls Kylemore home. Thank you to the entire community for allowing us to experience the wonder of Kylemore while researching the Gothic Chapel as a reference point for future digital preservation of church architecture!"

Congratulations, Evan!

Originally published by Claire Kieffer at kylemore.nd.edu on December 17, 2024.