New Life Old Buildings 2026

New Life Old Buildings brings people together to rethink vacant and underused buildings as spaces for connection, creativity and everyday life. Through shared learning and local action, the programme is helping to build a culture of care that values existing places as vital foundations for thriving, sustainable communities.

Over two days in Limerick this September and two webinars in October, we invite you to join us in a series of engagements and conversations to explore how existing buildings can become catalysts for connection, creativity and collective wellbeing. Through conversations, workshops, site visits and case study presentations, this year's programme explores how vacant and underused buildings can become shared places that foster belonging while building a culture of care for our built environment.

New Life Old Buildings is presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation and funded by the National Built Heritage Service. IAF is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and additionally funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Built Heritage Service, the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council.