Interventions on Contested Interface
Creating Neutral Spaces to Facilitate Dialogue on Peacelines

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Protestant and Catholic communities of Belfast have a deep-rooted mutual animosity dating back decades.  Only recently have peace efforts begun to indicate a shift towards a secure, nonviolent coexistence.  Architecture cannot guarantee continued progress towards sustained peace, however a program can be developed to support recent advances and anticipate the manifestation of an active coexistence.  Barriers along spaces of contention are composed of materials which will be reused within a positive, new architectural language.  The initial phase will be envisioned as a present day scheme.  A second phase expands upon the first, once further progress has been made in the peace process.  The final phase will be imagined as when a stable peaceful existance is attained.   The process of healing after conflict will be integral to all three phases, individually responding to each period of development.  A system of mediations will be constructed as a means to assist the people of Belfast in overcoming historical trauma and preventing relapse into further violence.