Irish Architecture Foundation presents New Life, Old Buildings 2025 – Future Heritage

Irish Architecture Foundation presents New Life, Old Buildings 2025, its innovative city-focused programme exploring how existing buildings can shape more sustainable and inclusive futures. Pictures: Deirdre Power

Irish Architecture Foundation presents New Life, Old Buildings 2025 – Future Heritage, taking place on 11 & 18 September 2025 with webinars on 23 & 24 October 2025

The Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) is delighted to announce the return of New Life, Old Buildings, its innovative city-focused programme exploring how existing buildings can shape more sustainable and inclusive futures. In September, the programme will return to Limerick, with the theme Future Heritage.

At a moment of climate crisis and social change, Future Heritage asks: How can the buildings we already have become the rooms and spaces we need for today? What practices and choices of the present will shape the legacy of tomorrow?

Audiences are invited to join in-person walking tours, site visits, open table conversations and panel discussions in Limerick on 11 and 18 September and webinars on 23 and 24 October that connect local questions to national debates.

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With a focus on the most sustainable resource of all, the buildings that are already built, New Life, Old Buildings challenges us to consider how Ireland’s architectural heritage can be reimagined as shared, adaptable and resilient spaces for contemporary life.

By bringing together communities, architects, policymakers and cultural voices, the programme will explore how the people of Limerick envision their city, and how we can collectively build spaces that truly reflect how we live now, and how we want to live in the future. New Life, Old Buildings is presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation and funded by the National Built Heritage Service and the Heritage Council.

The IAF is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon. For more information and ticket details visit the IAF website and follow the IAF on Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Facebook.

Thursday, 11th September from 12.30pm to 8pm If These Walls Could Talk

Book your place for events on 11 September.

You are invited to join a full-day of events in Limerick city, with walking tours, open table discussions, site visits and panel discussion. You are welcome to join for the whole day or attend any activity that interests you. All events are free. Pre-booking is essential.

Walking tour Never Look Back, 12.30pm

The first day of events will kick off with a guided walking tour of Limerick city centre, inspired by EVA’s Never Look Back archive. EVA International is Ireland’s Biennial of Contemporary Art. Throughout its many years of existence, EVA has used over 160 sites, spaces and venues across Limerick city for the presentation of contemporary art.

EVA’s use of the city reflects the changing ambition of the visual arts to integrate itself into the broader social environment, while also reflecting the evolution and development of the urban fabric itself. Meeting point: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Open table discussion | Places for Arts and Culture, 2pm

Open table discussion is an informal type of conversation that invites people to gather around a table over lunch to participate in a themed conversation. This is an opportunity for community members, artists, and professionals to share their specific spatial needs, discuss the challenges they face, and explore the possibilities of transforming vacant buildings into functional spaces for arts and culture. Take a seat at the table to listen and share your perspective. Location: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Site visits, 4pm

This is an opportunity to visit 2 buildings in different stages of renovation. The visits are led by the managers of the sites, who will provide a tour of the space and share their experiences. Meeting point: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Panel discussion | From Rubble to Regret: The Consequences of Demolition, 6.30pm

This panel will delve into the broader implications of demolition and how the current systems facilitate a culture of demolish and replace. The presentations will explore the environmental, cultural and social costs of demolition, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A from the audience. Location: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Thursday, 18th September from 12.30pm to 8pm
Built to be Lived

Book your place for events on 18 September

You are invited to join a full-day of events in Limerick city, with walking tours, open table discussions, site visits and panel discussion. You are welcome to join for the whole day or attend any activity that interests you. All events are free. Pre-booking is essential.

Walking tour, 12.30pm

Tour of the city centre with the Executive Architectural Conservation Officer for Limerick City & County Council looking at heritage buildings and typologies that constitute the city’s urban fabric. Meeting point: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Open table discussion | Places for Social Inclusion and Community Development, 2pm

Open table discussion is an informal type of conversation that invites people to gather around a table over lunch to participate in a themed conversation. The conversation will center on the types of spaces needed to support the work of organizations dedicated to social inclusion and community development, encouraging collaboration and idea-sharing among participants. Take a seat at the table to listen and share your perspective. Location: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Site visits, 4pm

This is an opportunity to visit 2 buildings in different stages of renovation, offering a firsthand look at the challenges and successes of transforming spaces for collective benefit. Meeting point: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Panel discussion | Storeys Retold: Heritage for the Future, 6.30pm

This panel will present national and international case studies of renovation, reuse and adaptation of buildings and visions for city centre regeneration. After the presentations, speakers will join a panel discussion and a Q&A session from the audience. Location: Wickham Way, 11 Wickham St, Prior’s-Land, V94 WR8N

Online events

Thursday, 23rd October – Look at the City Webinar, 1pm

Join architecture graduates as they share highlights and insights gathered from the in-person sessions in Limerick. Register for the Look at the City webinar

Friday, 24th October – Creating Space Webinar, 1pm

This webinar will present practical information for groups or individuals interested in bringing back a vacant building. Register for the Creating Space webinar