Housing provision is a conversation that has transcended time, generations, and governments. The Timeless Challenge series of three panel discussions held at the IAF’s Housing Unlocked exhibition in 2022-2023 debated and examined housing through the lens of architectural history and social evolution from the 20th to the 21st century.

1. Talking Housing Histories delves into housing policies, finance, and design throughout the 20th century. What have we learned from the successes and failures of the past?

Speakers: Dr Michelle Norris (UCD School of Social Policy), Dr Ellen Rowley (UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy), and Dr Brian Ward (TU Dublin School of Architecture). Chaired by Dr Dáithí Downey (DCC Head of Housing Policy, Research and Development).

2. Talking Housing Now explores Ireland’s diverse and growing housing needs and the current housing market to answer the question, how do we comprehend the challenge today?

Speakers: Dr Ronan Lyons (TCD Economics and LSE), Bulelani Mfaco (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland), and Prof. Nasrin Seraji (UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy). Chaired by Bláithín Quinn (IAF Curator of Learning).

3. Talking Housing Futures addresses the question, where do we go from here?

Speakers: Gary Lysaght (Director at FKL architects), Paul Leech (Gaia Associates), Clare Lyster (Principal of CLUAA and Professor at the Chicago School of Architecture), and Dr Rory Hearne (Lecturer in Social Policy, Maynooth University). Chaired by Gary Lysaght.

Housing Unlocked was an exhibition and public programme produced in partnership by the Irish Architecture Foundation and The Housing Agency from October 2022-February 2023 at the former Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, with additional support from the Arts Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Land Development Agency.

Housing Unlocked: Ideas from a Living Room encapsulates the exhibition, public programme, and ideas generated through the open call, with an introductory essay by David Madden.