Director’s Introduction

I am delighted to welcome you to the biggest celebration of architecture in Ireland, presented for the sixth time by the Irish Architecture Foundation.

Open House is an initiative Victoria Thornton began in London 19 years ago and it is now delivered in 10 cities across the world. Dublin is part of that global family. Even though the ten cities have diverse styles, unique built environments and architectural histories, they have one thing in common, a commitment to communicate the value of architecture to the public, through Open House.

The Architecture of Change is the 2011 theme set by Dr Sandra O’Connell, curator of Open House Dublin. She has developed an exciting and comprehensive programme covering over 130 projects that promises to reveal a vibrant and creative sector, capable of transforming and influencing people’s lives.

The Architecture of Change refers not just to the physical and concrete properties of architecture but also the impact architecture can have on changing people’s experience of their world, their emotions and sense of self. One thing that is for certain, we are in a state of flux. The ever-changing nature of our present and future suggests impermanence; nothing is concrete. This opens up many possibilities for people and architects to engage, adapt and develop.

Change encourages research, speculation and questions. It promotes ideas and initiatives, which connect architecture to the public realm, to economics, culture, art, politics and society, to bravery and inspiration.

In the spirit of collaboration and the IAF’s interest in the interdisciplinary nature of architecture, this year we have special creative partnerships with Dublin Contemporary on ‘The Dead City’ and the Crafts Council of Ireland on ‘Cruth Currach – A Craftitecture Pavilion’, both artworks are sited in Merrion Square and indulge a poetic experience of architecture.

I would like to thank our Open House Dublin sponsors: The Arts Council; Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; Dublin City Council; Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin Tourism. We would also like to thank our programme and marketing partners: LUAS, JCDecaux, RTÉ lyric fm, OPW and Temple Bar Cultural Trust.

The coordination and logistics of Open House Dublin are delivered by a dedicated and brilliant team who manage the event and hundreds of volunteers. They are Aideen McCole, Open House Dublin Programme Coordinator, Niamh O’ Connor Open House Dublin Volunteer Coordinator, Annette Nugent Open House Dublin Publicity and Rachel McAree IAF Education Curator.

I invite you take part in Open House Dublin and open your mind to change, the potential is exciting.

Nathalie Weadick, Director
Irish Architecture Foundation