Dublin is changing and people are talking about it. Its shape, development and identity are a hot topic at the moment. Dublin aspires to grow and operate on an international scale, while at the same time retaining the essential character of place.

Does Dublin need to work a bit harder to achieve its aspiration? Does a city transforming mark a future of great potential and opportunity? Or do we need to pause and check ourselves before we lose too much of what makes this city great?

Irish Architecture Foundation is hosting ‘The Big Debate’ on the 11th of October, the eve of Open House Dublin, which asks a panel from politics, culture, architecture, innovation and business What Kind Of City Do You Want? Chaired by Linda Doyle, Dean of research TCD, each of the panellists are given five minutes to visually and provocatively present their perspectives on the question before the discussion is open to the floor.

Ciaran Cuffe MEP will talk about shaping a zero carbon city, Jamie Cudden from Dublin City Council will present the Smart City Program a platform for start-ups, the city, and academia. John O’Beirne from Bank of Ireland will discuss how they enable innovation. Clare Lyster, an Irish born architect based in Chicago, will discuss ways to leverage communication infrastructure to productively invigorate collective life in the built environment. Jennifer Jennings, co-Director of pop culture outfit THISISPOPBABY will talk about a different infrastructure, the essential place for culture and creativity in the city. Dominic Stevens, a director in JFOC Architects, will talk about diverse housing typologies, how we need to consider alternative ways of living in the city and how architects can help.

This is a free event but you must book your place to attend – go to openhousedublin.com to reserve your place

Denise Maguire        
Editor of Plan Magazine

Email: denise@mcdmedia.ie