French architect to pitch for revamp over rebuild

THE RENOVATION 10 years ago of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris as a radical chic contemporary arts venue will feature prominently…

THE RENOVATION 10 years ago of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris as a radical chic contemporary arts venue will feature prominently in a talk next Tuesday evening by French architect Anne Lacaton at the IMMA satellite in Earlsfort Terrace.

Her practice, Lacaton Vassal, is unusual among architects as a great advocate of demonstrating innovation by renovating rather than rebuilding from scratch, adapting existing structures to present-day needs rather than always building new.

Nathalie Weadick, director of the Irish Architecture Foundation, which is organising the event as part of its Agents of Architecture series, suggested that Lacaton Vassal could come up with great ideas for Liberty Hall, now facing the threat of demolition.

Admission to the event – supported by the Arts Council, the Institut Français and the French Embassy – is free. But booking is essential through imma.ie