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2022 Programme Announcement Open Call

New open call seeks ambitious solutions to help unlock housing issues in Ireland

17.02.22

The Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and The Housing Agency have today (17.02.22) announced details of an open call that is looking for innovative ideas to improve Ireland’s housing sector. Called Housing Unlocked, the initiative is calling for architects, together with people from a variety of disciplines and members of the public with a common interest in housing, to team up and submit ideas to solve housing issues in Ireland’s cities, towns and villages. 

Entries are open from today, with practical ideas and creative thinking being sought in the areas of density, construction technologies, social inclusion, environmental and other issues. A jury of high-profile judges will select around eight submissions which will receive funding of €7,500 each to develop their proposals into an exhibition piece. The exhibition will open to the public in September this year. 

Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, said: “Public contributions at recent IAF debates have shown that there has never been a better time for design to rethink how we can deliver homes for sustainable communities in urban areas. Housing Unlocked is driven by the need to apply innovation and expertise, not just to the final product, but to the entire system that delivers homes in towns, cities and villages. A simple idea can produce a powerful effect.”

Bob Jordan, CEO of The Housing Agency, said: “The Housing Agency is looking forward to being part of this project. We are seeking innovative and practical solutions that address the housing issues in Ireland. We are asking applicants to share practical solutions to the everyday issues that they are facing when it comes to delivering homes. We would like to invite architects, in collaboration with all those who are interested, to apply for the opportunity to be featured in the public exhibition later in the year.” 

All submissions must be made through an online form on the Housing Unlocked website, where further information is available. Entering teams must include at least one member with a qualification in architecture. The closing date is midnight on 24th April 2022.