Does it matter if we demolish buildings? What do we lose versus what do we gain? In this conversation, we are joined by HouseEurope! who will unpack the myths behind the need for demolition in cities and show how reusing what we have is better value for money and our future heritage.

Open Table 2025 empowers people to participate in expert-led discussions on the topics of Diaspora, Diversity, Design, Demolition and Democracy. 

This Open Table will be hosted by Ludwig Engel, Laura Carroll and Ciarán Molumby.

Ludwig Engel is a futurologist and spatial researcher. Together with a dense network of collaborators, his post-disciplinary practice spans from teaching, researching, curating, writing, publishing to organizing workshops, conferences, discourse platforms and advising public and private institutions on the impact of futures and utopias for society’s capabilities to create and design better tomorrows. He directs the Studio for Immediate Spaces at Sandberg Instituut, Amsterdam, together with Julian Schubert (Something Fantastic), teaches at STATION+ at the Department of Architecture (DARCH), ETH Zurich, and campaigns for HouseEurope!

Islander Architects, based in Balbriggan and led by Laura Carroll and Ciarán Molumby, work across housing, adaptive reuse, and town regeneration with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation. They are the Irish national organisers for HouseEurope!, a citizens’ initiative advocating renovation and reuse over demolition across Europe.

The Open Table series takes place at IAF House at Charlemont Square, Dublin 2. Places are limited so book early. Lunch will be provided.

Open Table events take place at IAF House, Charlemont Square, Dublin 2. This is a temporary use space and does not have direct access to toilet and washroom facilities inside the space. Participants and visitors have full use of toilets, including an accessible toilet, located in a separate adjoining building approximately 100 metres away in distance. The space and doorways open wide and the venue does not have any steps or stairs.

Please contact us at bookings@architecturefoundation.ie if you require ISL interpretation or have any access requirements.