Abstract
This paper draws on two recent research projects to provide a perspective on the overlooked role played by ‘everyday’ architecture in post-conflict Belfast. It first reveals the capacity of architecture to latently reinforce and duplicate conflict forces by examining an historic body of hidden barriers put in place between 1977–1985 as part of a confidential programme of government security planning. It illustrates how seemingly nondescript buildings and spaces work in unseen ways to foster continued social division within present-day Belfast. The paper then moves on to provide a contemporary counterpoint by revealing the capacity of architecture to stimulate positive micro-politics between divided groups. It analyses a series of publicly funded community hubs which generate novel architectures that aim to promote social mixing and exchange. It illustrates the opportunities and challenges of these spaces working in hidden ways to stimulate and sustain new forms of cross-community contact. The paper concludes by arguing for a re-evaluation of the role played by architecture, in its widest sense, within wider peacebuilding policy processes.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The urban ecologies of divided cities |
Editors | Amira Osman, John Nagle, Sabyasachi Tripathi |
Publisher | Springer |
Chapter | 3 |
Pages | 15-20 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783031273087 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783031273070 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2023 |
Publication series
Name | Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) |
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ISSN (Print) | 2522-8714 |
ISSN (Electronic) | 2522-8722 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Belfast’s hidden architectures of division and cohesion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Student theses
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Shared architecture: architecture and socio-spatial practice in a divided city
Mulholland, C. (Author), Keeffe, G. (Supervisor) & Gaffikin, F. (Supervisor), Jul 2024Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy