Insights from the Irish Architecture Foundation’s “The Reason of Towns” Exhibition
On 18th November 2024, Charlemont Walk, Dublin 2, became the hub of vibrant discussion about Irish towns in the context of the touring “The Reason of Towns” exhibition. This gathering, hosted by the Irish Architecture Foundation and convened under the National Policy on Architecture, brought together colleagues from all parts of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with the National Town Centre First office and the Housing Agency to consider the architectural character and cultural values of Ireland’s towns and to explore areas of common interest and practice.
Funded by the Arts Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, “The Reason of Towns” exhibition exemplifies the potential of collaborative engagement. By bringing architects, planners, and communities together, the initiative fosters meaningful conversations and actionable ideas for reimagining Irish towns.
Drawing on themes from Valerie Mulvin’s acclaimed book Approximate Formality, the event prompted discussion about historic urban spaces and their potential for renewal, providing opportunities to reflect on topics such as architectural heritage, craftsmanship and skills, compact housing and sustainable living. Mulvin, whose decades-long architectural work underpins the exhibition, emphasized the geometry and chronological development of Irish towns as part of a wider European tradition. The event showcased her view that a deep understanding of urban forms and histories can provide the basis for envisioning a positive future for historic towns. Organised around immersive “characters” that embody the spirit of Irish towns, the exhibition celebrated spaces like market squares, focal points that give towns their unique identity and sense of place.
The tour of the exhibition concluded by Mulvin expanding on the practice of “grist to the mill”, the incremental approach to re-making, re-imagining and building within towns, illustrated through models, drawings, and videos, where small, interconnected elements become the catalyst for enhancement of the whole. The commissioned films, “The Shape is the Thing” and “Of Pride and Place”, were central to the event, visually engaging and very accessible to visitors. Conversations between architects and filmmakers brought to life the extraordinary and often overlooked beauty of our towns.
Discussions at the event centred on actionable solutions to the problems of urban vacancy and dereliction, including lessons learnt from the “Living over the Shop” initiative and potentially tailored investments to de-risk refurbishment projects and to encourage greater demand for urban living. Devised after a year of dialogue, the exhibition and event series aim to enthuse communities and policymakers alike. Click here for more information on the exhibition and upcoming “Talks of the Town” events.
Photographs © Photographic Archive, National Monuments Service, Government of Ireland