Reimagine Session: What could the post-covid town look like?

The Irish Architecture Foundation's final Reimagine Session for 2021 poses the question – what could the post-covid town look like?

Historically, pandemics have caused major shifts in the social, economic, and political trajectories of the world around us. This is evident when tracing the evolution of architecture, housing typologies, engineering, and urban design. Responses to infectious diseases such as cholera, TB, and influenza have led to the development of public sanitation, greater ventilation, and even the creation of public spaces such as Central Park in New York.

As the pandemic forces us to reimagine how we experience the places we live, work, and connect, we are taking a moment to reflect on what we want from our towns. Maybe we have had a chance to trial new ideas which can have a lasting impact? Or perhaps we are overlooking important opportunities for creating healthier, happier places.

In this session, we will hear from Orla Hegarty (architect and assistant professor at UCD's School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy) and Valerie Mulvin (co-founder of McCullough Mulvin Architects).