The relationship between religious buildings and the shaping of young people's identities is one which has received little investigation. Northern Ireland is a region which has experienced a religious divide for many years and provides an interesting setting on which to examine concepts associated with religion, youth, place, and spatial perception of architecture as an aspect of identity. Religion is an important part of life in Northern Ireland and religious buildings have played a vital role in shaping modern society by providing spaces for young people to learn about their faith and culture. This study investigated how young people from different religious backgrounds perceived certain elements of place, religion and identity, in particular, how they interpreted and negotiated the spatial layout of religious buildings and perceived the relationship between the space and the religion itself. The study endeavoured to promote the cross cultural understanding of young people's perceptions of religion and architecture and provide further clarity into the cultural and social distinctions between young teenagers of conflicting religions. An insight was gained through the analysis of non-textual material such as drawings and art-work developed from young people. This paper lays out the key findings of this study, identifying architectural concepts that are fundamental to the production of different religious places in Northern Ireland and examines the impacts of religious places, through spatial experience, and their conceptual architectural configurations, on young people's perceptions, ideas and understanding of religion. The main religions of Northern Ireland, Catholicism and Protestantism, along with the minority religions of Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, were examined.

Abstract:The rights of young people to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives has been encouraged since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). Since then, policy-makers and planners have started to consider the views of youth, especially those aged 11-17. The size of the youth population and their feelings of social isolation are two important reasons to include them in the decision-making that affects their local built environment. Little is known about youth opinions of the built environment and in particular disused religious buildings which can become a significant part of local cultural heritage. This paper explores youth perceptions, place attachment and influence on identity of a prominent disused local Methodist church in the City of Belfast. The paper details the expressive methodological approach designed to encourage youth participation in the regeneration scheme. The findings of the study showcase the valuable connections that can be made between youth and heritage religious buildings through education programmes. The project conclusions also highlight the benefits to be gained from engaging youth in local built heritage and will be of interest to those involved in the design, planning and redevelopment processes.

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