Presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation as part of its Reimagine placemaking programmes, “A Place Belongs Forever To,” speaks to those passionate about placemaking and the built environment who want to expand their understanding of the field, engaging with placemaking in creative, interdisciplinary ways. During this one-day symposium attendees will explore how we connect with the places we inhabit through hands on-activities, workshops, and panel discussion. 

Whether you’re a built environment professional, graduate, artist, or are simply curious about how we inhabit, think about, and shape the places that shape us, this event will equip you with the tools and inspiration to think about placemaking through an interdisciplinary perspective. 

Through the Reimagine programmes, the  IAF’s  approach to placemaking has been characterised by celebrating the value of an area’s architectural and cultural heritage, supporting public involvement and collaboration, offering training and opportunities, and nurturing local resourcefulness, enterprise and innovation. ‘A Place Belongs Forever To’ is an opportunity to collectively reflect on this approach through experimental and unconventional modes of practice; from sensory mapping to poetry exercises, performance workshops, and panel discussions on contemporary placemaking practices.

Workshops

Location: IAF temporary venue

One Charlemont Square, Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2

Tickets: 7 for each workshop or 14 for all three

BOOK TICKETS FOR WORKSHOPS HERE

Workshop 1 – Sense(s) of Space, 10:00-12:00 
This workshop kicks off the day by taking to the streets to explore sensory mapping through urban wandering. Participants will collectively investigate their emotional responses to various urban spaces by engaging with the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of these places. This is an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and the place where we will spend our day together. This workshop will be led by the Irish Architecture Foundation’s Reimagine team.

Workshop 2 – The Poetics of Place, 13:00-14:20
This workshop will explore placemaking through poetry. Participants will engage in poetic writing exercises that explore connections to place. The session will include solitary writing followed by group reflections. By the end of the workshop, attendees will gain insights into how words can deepen our understanding of space and open new perspectives on the environments around us. This workshop will be led by researcher, essayist, and poet Fiona Hanley.

Workshop 3 – Performing Place, 15:00-16:20
This workshop will explore how we connect to our surroundings through movement and performance. Participants will engage in collective activities focussed on using our bodies to express feelings and ideas about different places. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have learned about how emphasis on movement and the body in space can deepen our understanding of space, encouraging creative expression and personal storytelling as tools for placemaking. This workshop will be led by interdisciplinary performance artist Emma Brennan.

Presentation Panel

Location: IAF temporary venue

One Charlemont Square, Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2

Free event – booking required

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR PANEL HERE

Presentation Panel, 17:00-18:20
In closing our placemaking symposium, we invite you to join our evening panel discussion that demonstrates the diversity of contemporary placemaking in Ireland. Our panel will each present their own practices and understanding of what it means to inhabit, think about, and shape the places that shape us.

Presenting at this event will be:

Ailbhe Cunningham – Critical Spatial Practice
Dr Rachel O’Grady – OGU Architects
Sophie Maltzan – Fieldwork & Strategies
12th Field (David Jameson & Evelyn D’Arcy) – Bog Bothy
Phoebe Brady – Cineál Research & Design

Followed by Q&A and food and drinks reception.