RIAI Conference 2021: Solutions

Themed 'Solutions', the RIAI Conference 2021 takes place on 3 November at the RDS, Dublin, in partnership with the Architecture + Building Expo. The conference will also be live-streamed for an online audience.

The RIAI Conference will present ideas, exemplars, and case studies to persistent problems in the built environment. We will explore how existing solutions – including those employed in other cities and countries – could be adapted to Irish conditions. Persistent challenges include: adapting cities to climate change; addressing the housing shortage and creating sustainable communities; access to procurement; increasing technical skills for the digitisation of the construction sector; and finding more innovative and sustainable ways to build.

To tackle these issues, the RIAI have invited national and international thought leaders and inspirational speakers, including Carlos Moreno from the Panthéon Sorbonne University IAE in Paris, who is behind the 15-minute city concept, which has been adopted by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo.

Professor Dietmar Eberle, a co-founder of award-winning Baumschlager and Eberle Architects, will discuss the innovative, sustainable work of the practice, including their own '2226' offices in Lustenau, Austria. 2226 is a building that is a functioning part of its environment rather than just architecture.

Valerie Mulvin FRIAI will present ‘Lessons from Irish Towns for today’ from her highly regarded new book 'Approximate Formality: Morphology of Irish Towns'.

Karen McEvoy MRIAI and Merritt Bucholz MRIAI will present their innovative timber construction building in Toronto and other work in Ireland.

Niall McLaughlin MRIAI will discuss design research and innovation in the work of his practice, including the forthcoming International Rugby Experience in Limerick.

Also at the conference, the RIAI will be announcing the RIAI Building for All Awards, the RIAI Future Award, and the RIAI Student Awards. The event will conclude in the RDS with a reception.

The conference will take place alongside the Architecture + Building Expo, which returns to the RDS this year with an impressive list of exhibitors who will present innovative products and technology. The RIAI encourages members to visit the Architecture + Building Expo on both days, 3 and 4 November.

The RIAI is delighted to announce that OUTHAUS are continuing their much appreciated support of the RIAI Conference. Their stand can also be visited by members at the Architecture + Building Expo.

Cement Manufacturers Ireland are supporting once more the free Student Rate at the conference.