Architecture open-house weekend - 19-21 Oct 07

For anyone with an inkling of interest in architecture this is one of those rare opportunities to explore Dublin's hidden gems.

NATHALIE WEADICK (we produced the BUTLER GALLERY [KILKENNY] COLLECTION publication with her many moons ago) is the brains behind the OPEN HOUSE project - she's now director of the IRISH ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION and their website has full detail of what's on show along with a great location map.

This year the OPEN HOUSE programme is curated by SANDRA O'CONNELL editor of ARCHITECURE IRELAND. (Again it's a small world - SEXTON+ were behind the renaming of that magazine (previously IRISH ARCHITECT which we argued didn't reflect the multi-culturalism of the industry) while Sandra was project director on many of our Exhibition Design projects).

Anyway you can take your pic of tours which includes heritage buildings like the CUSTOMS HOUSE, a refurbishd warehouse penthouse as well as that blot recently 'beamed-down' on Palace Street beside CITY HALL and PETER PEARSON's wonderful SICK AND INDIGENT ROOM-KEEPERS SOCIETY! Unfortunately we wouldn't share Sandra's optimistic hope that peoples' views may be changed once we've visited these buildings - there's no changing the fact that this is an eye-sore in what was a spot-light site. I'm astounded that DUBLIN CITY could screw it up so badly right after their success with the 'hanging building' on corner of Townsend/Tara Street (now home to THE IRISH TIMES) - clearly not the same team of decision-makers involved on both).

One of my favorites is the 1950s flat in the IVEAGH FLATS complex which is a natural museum-piece. Rather than a recreation this is a home caught in a time-warp exactly as it was (down to every utensil) when the last resident left - the IVEAGH TRUST are to be applauded for having the foresight to preserve it.

So definitely an event you shouldn't miss since most of the building on show are never open to the general public. We all have the potential to influence the built environment - and since money doesn't always guarantee finesse the aim of the Open House programme is that by opening and showing buildings the public will make much better informed decisions.

Tours are FREE but will book-out quickly!

For a taster of what you'll catch follow this link.
www.architecturefoundation.ie/openhouse
01-670-8620
Info point at Temple Bar Cultural Centre from 13 Oct
(12 East Essex Street, Temple Bar)