The Irish construction industry accounts for 6% of the employed population but generates 48% of all waste produced in Ireland. Demolition is part of this business. Demolition Take Down is a research and engagement initiative aimed at revolutionising Ireland’s demolition practices.
We seek to uncover the underlying motivations and current challenges behind demolition practices in Ireland. Through explorative research and cross-disciplinary conversations, we aim to spark a shift in attitudes and behaviours within the construction industry.
Together, let’s spark an industry wide discussion and pave the way for more sustainable, responsible approaches to demolition in Ireland.
Come visit the Demolition Take Down installation in the central courtyard of IMMA from September 14th. This installation was designed in response to our explorative research and cross-disciplinary conversations carried out this year.
It will represent the amount of construction and demolition waste created in Ireland over each person’s lifetime. It considers the impact of demolition on value and waste; culturally, financially, and environmentally. We see the installation as a conversation-starter and an opportunity to engage with the public & wider construction industry on the topic of demolition.
It will be a key feature of the Earth Rising festival and Culture Night 2024 (September 20th – 22nd). Look out for our construction industry student invigilators during the Earth Rising festival from the School of Architecture, Building and Environment along with students from the School of Surveying and Construction Innovation at TU Dublin. They are eager to hear your thoughts.
In conjunction with the installation, Demolition Take Down will co-host a public talk and film screenings of ‘The Demolition Drama’ by HouseEurope! during the Earth Rising Festival.
Join us for a series of short presentations by leading thinkers and practitioners in the construction industry on September 22nd at 3:30pm. The discussion will include an introduction from Islander Architects with an overview of the Demolition Take Down project, followed by presentations, a panel discussion and Q&A.
Special guests include Susannah Hagan, Emeritus Professor of Architecture at the University of Westminster, London; Ellen McKinney sustainability manager at IPUT Real Estate; Joseph Kilroy of the CIOB; Dr Carole Pollard architect & architectural historian. This cross-disciplinary event will be chaired by Emer Byrne from the School of Surveying and Construction Innovation, TU Dublin.
A short film ‘The Demolition Drama’ by HouseEurope! will be screened at IMMA at 11am on both Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd. The film discusses how functioning buildings are demolished to make way for new construction. This practice prioritises profit over people and overlooks renovation & transformation as socially, sustainably, & economically beneficial alternatives.
