This October and November, the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) hosts its Autumn programme at IAF House, a free and accessible public venue for architecture at Charlemont Square, Dublin 2. Focusing on the theme of Future Heritage, it is an exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops, and conversations including the flagship festival Open House Dublin (11–19 October), inviting the public to explore how buildings and spaces shape our lives.
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IAF House
Inside IAF House visitors can experience three new exhibitions. Mise Le Meas includes letters, drawings, films, and objects by young people who have left Dublin to find a new life. Through architecture, the exhibition explores why they left, what has been lost, and what memories of Dublin linger. Mise Le Meas, presented by IAF, is curated by the Dawna Collective: Aoife Casey, Stephen Landy, and Paul Stewart.
From furniture to infrastructure, from home to school, from parks to playgrounds, our world is shaped and sustained by design. To Not Design Is To Cost The Earth is an exhibition of drawings and photographs that celebrates the work of Irish architects highlighting the impact and importance of architecture in everyday life.
Every minute, a building is demolished in Europe. HouseEurope!, presented for the first time in Ireland by IAF with Islander Architects, uses films, posters, and case studies to explore why and how existing buildings could be reused, prompting local action amid climate and housing crises.
Exhibitions at IAF House will run up to 30 November so drop in!
Open House Extra continues across Dublin with exhibitions for visitors to explore at the Irish Architectural Archive on Merrion Square and the AAI (Architectural Association of Ireland) Awards exhibition on Baggot Street.
A one-day exhibition on 11 October at Tailors Hall lights up the Past, Present, and Future Heritage of the Iveagh Markets with firsthand stories from former traders and customers, offering a rare glimpse into life at the Markets and the work to restore this iconic building.
Join The Conversation
IAF House will also be home to conversations, a place for gathering and dialogue. On the evening of 15 October, Main Street Matters, chaired by Mary McCarthy of the Crawford Art Gallery, brings together Dublin’s city and county architects, Andrée Dargan, Andrew Devonport, Cian Harte, and Fionnuala May to discuss how main streets serve as vital living spaces and what might strengthen them for the future.
Open Table lunchtime conversations taking place in IAF House on 13-17 October offer the chance to participate in expert-led discussions on the topics of Diaspora, Diversity, Design, Demolition and Democracy. Kicking off with Aoife Casey and Paul Stewart, Dawna Collective, exploring how migration shapes Dublin’s built environment, followed by Tuesday’s conversation with Sarah Adekoya and London-based architect Manijeh Verghese discussing Diversity in architecture and representation in the city.
On 17 October, at the International Centre for the Image at Coopers Cross, the IAF’s new lecture series Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea features Belgian architect An Fonteyne of noAarchitecten and Ludwig Engel of HouseEurope!. They examine why demolition remains common in Europe and explore how citizens can advocate for reuse, retrofit, and sustainable approaches to building.
Junior at IAF House
Young audiences are also at the heart of the festival and will take over IAF House on 11th and 12th October. Open House Junior offers playful, hands-on workshops. In Scala: Future City, a workshop and performance led by artist Asbestos, children will create their vision of a future city. Dream Plaza will invite young city makers to envision the future of a public space, while Memory Mapping lets children trace personal and collective stories through maps, drawings, and conversation.
Open House Dublin is more than a festival of buildings, it is a festival of ideas, stories, and possibility. With exhibitions, talks, and workshops the city opens up for exploration and imagination. Step inside IAF House, wander through the exhibitions, join the conversations, and explore the possibilities that could transform Dublin city and county for everyone.
All exhibitions are drop-in. Booking may be required for workshops and talks. Full details available at openhousedublin.com.
Feature Image: Town Study, Clare, Ireland by Allies and Morrison, in To Not Design Is To Cost The Earth exhibition
