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At this event we will hear from Unqualified Design Studio as they discuss their project WE NEED TO TALK and from architect Muhammad Achour who will share his perspective on spaces of gathering and conversation in other countries. The conversation will then be opened up, inviting attendees to reflect on spaces around the world that have a similar function to the snug, a unique meeting place designed for close conversation that could regularly be found in Irish pubs.

The Snug is a participatory design project exploring places of conversation in contemporary Ireland. Led by international arts collective Unqualified Design Studio (Without Sin, Carlow Arts Festival 2023), the project invited communities in Graiguecullen and Carlow Town to collaborate in the creation of a temporary space for conversation, as part of Carlow Arts Festival.

Facilitator
Muhammad Achour, Syrian architect based in Dublin is the founding Director of ‘Places of ARcture’ a social enterprise that advocates for using art and architecture as tools to engage with local communities. He believes that community engagement within our neighbourhoods is a key tool for achieving liveable cities. His involvement in a broad range of initiatives for inclusion show his passion for helping newcomers to integrate in their new society.

Reimagine Café is a welcoming community space for all those interested in placemaking and reimagining their built environment. It is an annual series of workshops and informal conversations delivered through Reimagine which is the Irish Architecture Foundation’s nationwide placemaking programme.

Reimagine is funded by the Arts Council, Department of Rural and Community Development with additional support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Reimagine Café @ Carlow Arts Festival – The Snug
Image: Photo: Last Drinks, a pop-up micro-venue by Unqualified Design Studio. Photo courtesy of Carlow Arts Festival.

General Info

Admission / Cost FREE

Organiser

Irish Architecture Foundation

About With a focus on public audiences and established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) is Ireland’s independent organisation that fosters and advances the culture and communication of architecture. Based in Dublin, but with a national remit and an international network, our purpose is to empower people to build a better world. A not-for-profit charity, the IAF is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. It is additionally funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the auspices of the National Built Heritage Services; the Office of Public Works; and Dublin City Council. Across an increasingly broad range of events, programmes, and exhibitions, the IAF partners with individuals, organisations, government agencies, education institutions and civil society groups to ensure that our work builds civic pride and action and that outcomes are impactful and transformative.

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