New Life, Old Buildings is the national programme by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) about the future of buildings that are already built.

The programme challenges us to consider how Ireland’s architectural heritage can be reimagined as shared, adaptable, and resilient spaces for contemporary life. By bringing together communities, architects, policymakers, and cultural voices, New Life, Old Buildings explores how the people of Limerick envision the city and how we can collectively build spaces that truly reflect how we live now, and how we want to live in the future.

As part of New Life, Old Buildings, Ormston House curator Niamh Brown will participate in ‘Places for Arts and Culture’ at Wickham Way on Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 2pm. This open table discussion will centre on the possibilities of transforming vacant buildings into functional spaces for the arts. Free registration is open for all interested in participating.

The open table discussion is an informal conversation that invites people to gather around a table over lunch to participate in a themed conversation. This is an opportunity for community members, artists, and professionals to share their specific spatial needs and discuss the challenges they face.

Ormston House will also host a site visit as part of a New Life, Old Buildings tour. This is an opportunity to learn about the challenges and successes of transforming spaces for collective benefit. Tour participants will meet at Wickham Way on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 4pm.

Free tickets to all events are available on the IAF’s website here.

Established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation is an independent organisation that fosters and advances the culture and communication of architecture.

New Life, Old Buildings is presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation and funded by the National Built Heritage Service and the Heritage Council. The IAF is principally funded by the Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon.