RIAI Conference 2025: Ireland’s largest architecture event calls for sustainable, affordable and people-focused places

Over two days, Irish and international speakers shared solutions for tackling housing affordability, dereliction and climate resilience. Affordable housing and renewal were centre stage, with international models presented by Barcelona’s José Toral and Vienna’s Katharina Bayer, alongside regeneration strategies from Hackney’s Town Architect, Holly Lewis. Dr. Andrew Clancy MRIAI highlighted the role of design-led infrastructure, showcasing the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, while Dr. Gesa Matthes, Head of Strategic Innovation at HafenCity Hamburg, discussed Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. Brussels’ Kristiaan Borret showcased the value of independent architectural oversight in urban planning Renowned Dutch architect Francine Houben of Mecanoo demonstrated how landmark public buildings can foster civic pride and cultural inclusion.

The Conference also featured contributions from Irish practices and local authorities. Valerie Mulvin FRIAI and Andrée Dargan FRIAI explored how design-led planning can help revive towns and neighbourhoods. Sheila O’Donnell FRIAI and John Tuomey FRIAI presented their landmark urban renewal project at East Bank, Stratford, London which includes the V&A East and Sadler's Wells East.

Peter McGovern FRIAI, Henry J Lyons, also presented the wonderful Ireland House Japan, the Irish Embassy in Tokyo. The building incorporates the Irish Embassy, official residence and houses several State bodies such as Enterprise Ireland. Panels with practices such as Lawrence and Long, Boyd Cody Architects, and tún architecture showcased how a new generation is addressing sustainability, adaptive reuse, and community engagement.

Speaking at the conference, RIAI President Seán Mahon, said that

This year’s conference will highlight the long-term value to people when we deliver quality, sustainable public buildings and infrastructure in our cities towns and neighbourhoods. From housing to public infrastructure and our environment, architects bring vision and solutions to create places that are meaningful, sustainable and benefit the common good.

He praised Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture, Places for People but said that further resources were needed for it to be realised.

Ireland has a National Policy on Architecture – an excellent piece of policy work – but it urgently needs prioritisation, resourcing and sustained political commitment if it is to deliver for people and communities on the ground.

The RIAI Conference is held in partnership with the Architecture + Building Expo and is supported by our premier Conference Sponsor, Clay&Co, part of the OUTHAUS Group. 

The support of Cement Manufactor Ireland (CMI) for the free online student admission and Minima for the stage furniture is also kindly acknowledged. Conference design is by Architect Amanda Bone MRIAI.