Smashing Times: Architecture and Activism. A guided tour and public talk at the Smashing Times Centre for the Arts and Human Rights at 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin
Smashing Times: Architecture and Activism. A guided tour and public talk at the Smashing Times Centre for the Arts and Human Rights at 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin
October 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm IST
In partnership with Open House 2025, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality offer a guided tour and talk in the new Smashing Times space. We are inviting people into the space, to look at the artworks and to listen to a talk on “Architecture and Activism: What values do we embed into the spaces we leave behind?”. The talk explores how we are making innovative use of an intimate space in an inclusive, accessible way and explores what future heritage looks like when it embeds a human rights approach reflecting on justice for all.
Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are transforming a space at 30 Sandycove Road into the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality with a visual arts space and a Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights centre. The centre is open to citizens and communities and uses the arts to promote and advance equality, human rights and diversity. The talk will include an overview of how we have transformed the building into a cultural hub and what energy efficient designs were used.
Book Your Place
Free admission, book here
Artists
Freda Manweiler, Company Manager and Producer, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality
Alan Farrelly, Architect
Full Event Details
Civic architecture refers to buildings and public spaces that serve the collective needs and values of a society. These structures are designed not just for function, but to embody shared identity, culture, and democratic ideals. Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are transforming a space at 30 Sandycove Road into the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality with a visual arts space and a Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights centre. The centre is open to citizens and communities and uses the arts to promote and advance equality, human rights and diversity. The new Smashing Times Centre which is devoted to the arts and human rights is a living example of civic architecture. It has a gallery and performance space and in the building we are creating a safe space for dialogue and expression, offering a platform for diverse voices and promoting the space itself as a catalyst for change. T
In terms of ‘future heritage’ we are transforming an existing space into an arts and human rights centre, giving new life to the building. It is important to explore how buildings evolve while maintaining cultural value and what does future heritage mean today.
In partnership with Open House 2025 we offer a guided tour and talk in the Smashing Times space. We are inviting people into the space, to look at the artworks and to listen to a talk on “Architecture and Activism: What values do we embed into the spaces we leave behind?”. The talk explores how we are making innovative use of an intimate space in an inclusive, accessible way and explores what future heritage looks like when it embeds a human rights approach reflecting on justice for all. The talk will include an overview of how we have transformed the building into a cultural hub and what energy efficient designs were used.
The building is located in Sandycove which is rich with a literary and historical legacy from James Joyce and the Martello Tower to coastal heritage. By embedding a contemporary, purpose-driven centre into that landscape, we are contributing to a layered cultural narrative of the area creating a dialogue between past stories of culture and rights link to actions for human rights today within the physical fabric of Dublin.
The tour and talk is open to people of all ages.
Open House Dublin
This event is presented as part of Open House Dublin, a free festival of architecture taking place across the city and county from 11-19 October 2025. The festival offers a diverse and exciting range of building tours, talks, lectures, workshops, and a dedicated weekend for children and young people, Open House Junior. Open House is intended to welcome people into buildings and spaces, making architecture accessible and encouraging conversation and curiosity about the city and the built environment. This year, as we celebrate the 20th edition of Open House Dublin, our focus is on the theme of Future Heritage. This theme is shared by our Open House Europe colleagues in 2025.
Organisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):
