Daniel Libeskind, an international figure in architectural practice and urban design, whose acclaimed Eighteen Turns pavilion will open at Fota House in Cork in May 2005, will deliver a public lecture entitled 'Memory Foundation' in Cork Opera House on May 5, 2005 at 6pm.

It is widely acknowledged in the architectural industry that Mr. Libeskind's style of architecture does not mimic existing procedures but rather attempts to break through into the excitement, adventure and mystery of architecture. His lecture will focus on his experience with major urban design projects internationally, including Ground Zero in New York, and will give the public a chance to experience Libeskind's work in the context of Ireland and Cork today and the many development opportunities that exist in this year's Capital of Culture.

Speaking in Cork today, Mary Mc Carthy, Programme Director, Cork 2005, said: "Daniel Libeskind is an exception architect and has made a major contribution to the world of architectural practice . He is an energetic visionary who has created significant buildings and plans and has universally added to the architectural debate. His projects, which include The Ground Zero Master Plan in New York, the magnificent Jewish Museum in Berlin, the unique spiral extension to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and The Imperial War Museum North, Manchester. These projects are testament to his extraordinarily ability to engage with context and to exercise an imagination that results in creating projects that challenge and stimulate their users."

Roger Flack of the event sponsor Hamilton Osborne King, has said that Daniel Libeskind's arrival in Cork has caused a frisson of excitement amongst those interested in future planning for our cities and towns. Hamilton Osborne King recently held a conference on the future of Cork city and how it will be developed by 2020. 'Mr. Libeskind's achievements are monumental. He has won many prestigious awards for his creative thinking and his multidisciplinary approach to urban landscapes. Lecturing in several universities worldwide, he is a huge influence on the new generation of architects, town planners and property developers and those interested in pushing out the boundaries of effective and creative thinking in his field."

The lecture is a Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture event and entry is FREE and ticketed - tickets are available from the Cork Opera House box office on 021. 427 0022 from Tuesday April 12. Maximum six tickets per transaction. Cork 2005 will also present Eighteen Turns designed by Daniel Libeskind, architect, with Arup, at Fota House & Gardens, Cork from May to December 2005. Viewing is free of charge. Eighteen Turns has been kindly loaned to Cork 2005 by its owner, cite, project-managed by Keogan Architects, supported by the OPW and facilitated by the Fota Trust.