Excerpt from the brief: The guiding theme of the overall project is art and development in harmony with the environment so it is intended that landscape, building and works of art will all reflect this. It is intended that there should be one main multi-purpose building and that other site development should consist primarily of pathways and related bridges. It may be that some change to existing land levels and forms will be required but it will be essential to minimise any changes that might reduce the flood plain capacity of the site. It is anticipated that landscaping proposals will work with the existing situation rather than seek to replace it.

The Martin Valley Trail, which is presently nearing completion, is a riverside walk up the Martin River valley from Blarney village to the site at Waterloo through scenic wooded landscape. Again the theme of the walk is art in the environment. Along the trail, 10 artistic features, created by artists selected through a competition administered by the NSF are to be located. These features are strongly related to the local environment using both cultural and ecological themes. They will thus lead the walker on and set the scene for the Sculpture Park.