A continuous eight-minute immersive film celebrating the swimming structures dotted along
the Dublin coastline and the transformative power they have for the multitude of citizens who
enjoy them. These simple static structures, some dating back to the 1800’s, are human-made
extensions of the landscape, providing safe passage from the rocky shoreline into the
mercurial ocean.

Created by Robert Bourke Architects, filmmaker Marion Bergin and supported by Areaman
Productions, this experiential collaboration is shot at four popular swim spots along the coast
of Dublin: the Vico, High Rock Portmarnock, Clontarf Boat Club and the Bull Wall. We
encounter diverse swimmers who regularly visit these spots to connect with the natural world
and these brutalist concrete structures. These elements sit quietly in the film and, like the
shelters themselves, their safe and grounding presence is felt amongst the cold waters and
warm feelings of the piece.

SWIMirl is an abstract reflection upon the people we meet and the waters that connect them.
The piece digitally communicates an irl (in real life) experience, demonstrating how emotion,
warmth and solidarity can be felt and shared, regardless of location, within the limitless
possibilities of technological advancement.

This debut Irish screening of SWIMirl, supported by the Irish Architectural Archive, Open
House Dublin and Creative Ireland, was originally commissioned for the Hong Kong /
Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism & Architecture in 2022.

Launch and discussion, Saturday 19th October, 12 – 12:45pm
A brief presentation and discussion with the creators of SWIMirl. Architect, Robert Bourke,
filmmaker, Marion Bergin and producer, Shane Hogan, will reflect on their collaborative
process and the creative synthesis of the film.

Drop-In.

The film and the talk will take place in the Lecture room on the first floor of the building with 50 wooden chairs. The room will be darkened for both film and talk.

Arriving at the Archive
The front door is reached by 3 stone steps from the pavement to a landing, and then 1 further step at the front door. Beyond the front door is a lobby with glass door boundaries. From here you can gain access by ringing the intercom bell marked IAA, which is reached at a height of c. 150cm.
If you are a wheelchair user, or find steps problematic, there is a platform lift which can bring you from footpath level to basement area level. You enter the building via a door with no step and can access all floor using the internal lift which is signposted as you move through the building. Phone 01 6633040 to use the platform lift.

Wheelchair users can also access the IAA building from Stephen’s Place, which runs parallel to the rear of Merrion Square East, and is reached from Mount Street Upper or Lower. When you arrive at the IAA’s back gate, call the IAA on +353 1 663 3040 and the gate will be opened for you. You can enter the building directly from the car park through the back door.

Access to the disabled parking space is also from Stephen’s Place. It is recommended that you e-mail info@iarc.ie or phone +353 1 663 3040 in advance to let us know if you’d like to use the back entrance or disabled parking space, so we can be available to open the gates when you arrive

Moving around our building

Wheelchair users and those with mobility issues have full access throughout the IAA building via our internal lift to the back of the building. Please note that access to the first-floor reception rooms from the lift is via a doorway that is wide enough for standard wheelchairs only (800mm width).

The Architecture Gallery is a quiet and calm space, with low-level lighting. Large format printouts of exhibition labels are available in the Architecture Gallery. Footstools are available on request to improve sightlines for vitrines and display cases.

Toilet facilities
Accessible toilet cubicles are situated within both the Male and Female toilets in the basement, which can be reached by stairs or lift. Trans and non-binary visitors are welcome to use the facilities that make them feel safest.