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Open House Dublin 2011: The Architecture of Change

Since 2005 the Irish Architecture Foundation has presented Open House Dublin – Ireland’s biggest architecture festival. Now part of Open House Worldwide, Open House Dublin takes its cue from founder Victoria Thornton, who set up Open House 20 years ago in London. Open House is a simple concept: by providing access to buildings of architectural quality not normally open to the public, it allows the public to experience architecture in all its dimensions.

In 2011 Open House Dublin saw attendances to 130 events in excess of 23,000 across Dublin city and county from 7 – 9 October. Open House Dublin 2011 adopted the theme ‘THE ARCHITECTURE OF CHANGE’, exploring how good design can be a catalyst for change and positively touch all our lives: from large scale master planning to small but skillful interventions in residential design.

Programme highlights included the Point Village and its destination Gibson Hotel (Scott Tallon Walker Architects), bespoke home Hedge House by GKMP Architects and skillful conversion Three into Two house in the Liberties by Brian O’Brien of Solearth Ecological Architecture. The programme also had a strong focus on the work of young and emerging practices, as well as featuring historic gems such as the Residence of the Embassy of France in Ballsbridge and Georgian favourites.

Open House Dublin 2011 marked the 20th anniversary of the Temple Bar Framework Plan 1991, celebrated Dublin’s new status as UNESCO City of Literature with specially curated events, and explored the work of architectural icon Herbert Simms who changed the face of Dublin city with his groundbreaking social housing schemes in the 1930s and ’40s. 2011 Year of Craft was explored and celebrated through a series of talks and events in Cruth Curach – a temporary craftitecture pavilion sited in Merrion Square, designed by built by Bucholz McEvoy Architects and Jim Horgan, master boat builder. As always, Open House Junior featured a series of creative and lively events to enable young participants to play architect for a day, while Open Space walking, cycling, boat and LUAS tours explored the spaces between buildings.

Open House Dublin will return from 5 – 7 October 2012 for its seventh edition, with new landmark buildings, returning favourites, discursive tours, family events and more! For more information visit www.openhousedublin.com