The programme has been created to represent and react to issues relating to architecture in the current economic and cultural climate. It focuses on architecture in relation to its position after a period of excess, the current challenges today and the opportunities for the future. Open House Dublin is a significant project for the Irish Architecture Foundation, because it helps us communicate the value of architecture to everybody who uses it. How we (public, architects, government, communities) plan and build our environment conveys a lot about our priorities at a given time in history, society, politics and culture. We ask the question, what should be the priorities for the next generation?

The Irish Architecture Foundation is a resource, a mechanism and an inspirer, which creates opportunities for people to learn about architecture, while also encouraging debate on the subject. We learn from you too: from what you believe, think, do and want to do. The cycle of hyper construction has gone and what remains is a different society with new priorities and new opportunities for architecture to connect with its constituents. You are the Next Generation Audience .

Our places and cultures depend on connections – connections in terms of resources, knowledge, creativity and partnership. I would like to welcome our new partner Open House Galway into the family. This new addition is an indication that there is a need and an interest from the public to explore and engage in their built environment.

I would like to thank our Open House Dublin funders and partners: Arts Council, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin Docklands Development Authority, Office of Public Works, Open House London, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and Temple Bar Cultural Trust.

The coordination and logistics of Open House Dublin are delivered by a dedicated and brilliant team who manage the event and hundreds of volunteers. They are Louise Dredge, Katie Darling, Dobrawa Brach-Kaluzna, Rachel McAree and Niamh O’Connor. Next Generation speaks of new architects, new buildings, new spaces and new ideas. We are inviting you into Open House Dublin, and we hope you are inspired by what you experience.

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Nathalie Weadick
Director, Irish Architecture Foundation