RIAI and AoU Conference | Ireland 2050: Balanced by Design, 25-26 March 2025
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Event Information
Join us for another joint RIAI and Academy of Urbanism (AoU) Conference, Ireland 2050: Balanced by Design, taking place on 25 & 26 March 2025 at Dublin Castle.
Conference theme
It is clear that Ireland needs to fundamentally change the way in which we deliver critical infrastructure, as we prepare for a century of significant population expansion.
We face a set of daunting challenges including accelerating climate change and growing economic and political instability. We are also presented with opportunities in new and emerging technologies which are both exhilarating and terrifying. How we navigate this complex web of opportunity and challenge will define the kind of future we make for our children and for theirs. Crisis or Opportunity – the choice is ours for now – but not for much longer. We need a moment of inspiration to focus on these challenges and to map a set of clear, decisive actions to deal with them. This conference aims to be that moment and we invite you to be part of the conversation in Dublin Castle.
Speakers
Speakers include RIAI President Sean Mahon; Professor Xavi Matilla, former City Architect, Barcelona; Alice Charles, Arup; Bob Allies, Allies and Morrison, Professor Frances Ruane; Conor Sreenan, State / Principal Architect OPW; Pasi Rajala, Head of Masterplanning, City of Helsinki; Olivia Kelly, Irish Times; Professor Philip McCann, Alliance Manchester Business School; Matt Cooper, Journalist; Senator Michael McDowell and many more. You can view all speakers here.
Programme overview
The programme will take a solution-focused approach, where innovative ideas for the challenges facing Irish cities will be identified, presented by Irish and international speakers who are experts and thought leaders in their field.
Monday, 24 March*
Pre-Conference walking tours in Dún Laoghaire, guided by the dlr County Architects’ team, 4.00-5.30pm
Conference reception at the dlr Lexicon, 6.00-8.00pm
Celebrating the Great Town Award for Dún Laoghaire by the Academy of Urbanism, we are delighted to feature guided walking tours of award-winning urban design and housing projects, outlines of future plans for the town, and the Conference Reception in Dún Laoghaire.
Conference delegates will be able to experience the award-winning Coastal Mobility Walking/Cycle Route, the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths, the historic Metals (now a linear park); the existing and planned Harbour, and the refurbished Coastguard Cottages, Myrtle Square, the Living Streets initiative and much more. Delegates will also see many innovative housing projects such as George’s Place Housing and a living-over-the-shop refurbishment at Park House; as well as a THRIVE project reimaging two protected structures at George’s Place (currently live at Part 8 planning), and more.
*The pre-conference programming on Monday, 24 March in Dún Laoghaire is not included in the standard ticket and must be booked as a ticket add-on via Eventbrite. Click here for more info.
Tuesday, 25 March
Session 01: Vision and Potential: Leadership & Collaboration
Session 02: National Balance Imperative: Challenge & Opportunity
Session 03: Design Response
Session 04: Systemic Challenges: Response
Wednesday, 26 March
Session 05: Helsinki: Vision & Masterplanning
Session 06: Development: Quality & Design
Session 07: Irish Opportunity: Neighbourhood & Housing
Session 08: Key Changes and Next Steps
RIAI CPD Points
- You are required to manually add this CPD activity to your MyRIAI record
- Reflections on these activities are no longer necessary; you will only need to provide evidence if you are selected for the CPD Audit
- If selected for the audit, you will be notified after the CPD cycle closes on 30 November
- The updated CPD Policy is now available on the RIAI website
A limited number of student tickets are available for this event. Please email Connie cdales@theaou.org from your student email address to enquire.