These Events Delve Into Ireland’s Built Environment, and Who It’s Made For
Photo: Rich Gilligan
The Irish Architecture Foundation’s autumn programme is back. This is a season-long series of exhibitions under the theme of Future Heritage, featuring talks and events unfolding across Ireland until the end of November 2025. At the heart of the programme is IAF House, the IAF’s newly reopened public venue for architecture in Charlemont Square, Dublin 2. This space is designed to host meaningful dialogue and throughout the season, will become a place where the built environment is debated, challenged, and reimagined.
This year places a spotlight on the most urgent issues shaping Ireland today, from housing and climate change to community, demolition and design. Through more than 25 free public events, including talks, workshops, films and exhibitions, the programme brings together architects, artists, policymakers, and members of the public in conversation. Here are our top picks:
Open Table
When: October 13th – 17th 13.00
Where: IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin
The Open Table series explores five key themes shaping Dublin’s urban future, beginning on Monday 13th with Diaspora, where young Irish architecture graduates now living abroad reflect on why so many are leaving Dublin in search of opportunities their home city may no longer provide. On Tuesday 14th, Diversity takes centre stage, questioning who gets to design the city and how we can address the gap between those shaping Dublin’s spaces and the communities who live in them. Wednesday 15th features Design, as Gaeilge, asking whether good design is a luxury or a necessity, especially as Ireland undergoes one of its most ambitious development phases. On Thursday 16th, Demolition tackles the consequences of rapid urban development, with HouseEurope! arguing for reuse over rebuild as a smarter, more sustainable alternative. The series concludes on Friday 17th with Democracy, probing who really has a say in Dublin’s future and how communities can move from passive consultation to genuine participation in the design of their city.
Open House Junior
When: Saturday October 11th, 15:00
Where: IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin, D02K2P6
As part of Open House Junior, Scala: Future City with Artist Asbestos is a fun, hands-on workshop inviting children to imagine and build their own future city. Led by artist Asbestos in the role of “Scala,” a mythical city spirit, kids will collaborate to balance cardboard buildings on a giant wearable sculpture, exploring themes of harmony, tension, and urban design.
EXHIBIT A
When: Throughout the Open House season
Where: IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin, D02K2P6
EXHIBIT A brings together three powerful exhibitions that challenge narratives about our built environment. As part of these exhibitions, you should expect to be offered evidence of what’s at stake when we overlook design, heritage, and youth. TO NOT DESIGN IS TO COST THE EARTH highlights the essential role of architecture in creating a fairer, more sustainable world, showcasing work from over 75 architects. HouseEurope! exposes the urgent need to rethink demolition policies across Europe, while Mise Le Meas captures the voices of young people who’ve left Dublin, reflecting on what they’ve lost, and what Ireland has lost through their departure.
Contest – Léopold Lambert in conversation with Sarah Greavu
When: Saturday, November 29th, 19:00
Where: IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin, D02K2P6
Architect and editor of The Funambulist, Léopold Lambert joins curator Sarah Greavu to discuss his upcoming book on architecture’s role in five settler colonial contexts, including Ireland. This is the first time the project will be presented in the country, offering a timely and thought-provoking perspective on space, power, and resistance.
House For Many
When: Bookings open October 20th, space available until November 30th
Where: IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin, D02K2P6
A House for Many is a new initiative inviting local groups to use IAF House as a space to meet, talk, and connect. In a city like Dublin where public venues for community dialogue around architecture and the built environment are rare, this is a chance to gather, share ideas, and be part of shaping the future of the city.
