Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, today (Wednesday 5th October 2011) launched Open House Dublin 2011 at The Lir, National Academy of Dramatic Art, Pearse Street, Dublin 2.
Presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation, the sixth annual OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN weekend runs Friday 7 October to Sunday 9 October 2011 and features over 120 buildings visits, tours and events.
In these uncharted times, Open House Dublin 2011 has adopted the theme ‘The Architecture of Change’. "Our programme examines both the new architecture that emerges from our times of great change and how architecture in itself can be a catalyst for positive change from the small but skilful residential intervention to the urban master plan", says Curator Dr Sandra O’Connell.
Exploring a diverse range of urban issues, Open House Dublin sails the coast of Dún Laoghaire and the waterways of Dublin Docklands and alights the LUAS in the North Docklands and in search of ‘New Frontiers’ on the Green Line. Walking tours discuss the ‘Destruction of Dublin’, the potential of NAMA-bound lands and buildings, and conduct an ‘Urban Check-Up’ of inner city areas. Building tours explore the ‘Architecture of Dublin Contemporary’, the work of emerging practices, the stylish Gibson Hotel, new landmarks on the TCD campus, refurbished Martello Towers in Dún Laoghaire and many more. For families, there is an action-packed Open House Junior.
Inspired by the 20th anniversary of the 1991 Architectural Framework Plan for Temple Bar, Open House Dublin features a full day of architectural walks by Group 91 Architects on Saturday 8 October. The architectural spotlight this year is on housing architect Herbert Simms (1898-1948), who realised 17,000 homes for Dublin’s poor during his 16 years in office without compromising on quality. A SIMMSposium with Eddie Conroy, Dr Ellen Rowley, David O’Connor and Gerry Cahill will take place on Friday 7 October at 7pm in the Wood Quay Venue.
"Open House Dublin 2011 will be the best yet"
says IAF Director Nathalie Weadick. said Minister Deenihan. "I note, this year, there has been special creative partnerships formed with Dublin Contemporary 2011 on ‘The Dead City’ project and with the Crafts Council of Ireland on ‘Cruth Curach’ – a temporary pavilion erected in Merrion Square Park. Open House Dublin provides a wonderful opportunity to explore places around us, places we might look at on a daily basis and wonder what lies behind the design. I would encourage everyone to select one venue and explore it over this coming weekend" added Minister Deenihan.
The programme for Open House Dublin 2011 reveals the transformative qualities of architecture and unlocks the city’s gems to an ever increasing and engaged public. I am delighted to announce that Open House Galway is back again on the 14 – 16 October. Our collective aim is to showcase outstanding architecture for everybody to experience, enjoy and understand."
FULL PROGRAMME ONLINE AT: www.architecturefoundation.ie/openhouseAll events are free of charge and only a small proportion require pre-booking.