Hidden barriers and divisive architecture: The role of “everyday space” in conflict and peacebuilding in Belfast

Abstract

Whilst "spatiality" and "architecture" have become recognized as important dimensions of urban conflict, contemporary forms of power push our gaze toward symbolic landmarks such as Belfast's "peace walls." This paper uses Belfast as a case study to instead highlight the fundamental role occupied by "everyday" urban space and architecture. It reveals evidence of an undisclosed body of divisive architecture put in place through a confidential process of security planning between 1977 and 1985 to physically segregate and spatially fragment Catholic and Protestant communities in contested areas of Belfast. Termed here as hidden barriers, they are formed from "everyday" roads, housing, shops, offices, factories and landscaping, and the ways in which they continue to promote division represents a crucially undervalued aspect of conflict-transformation planning. The paper examines the complex urban challenges that they pose, arguing for a reevaluation of the role of everyday architecture and space in conflict and peacebuilding processes.

The Role of Urban Planning and Architecture in Sustainable Peacebuilding: Lessons from Belfast to Syria

“…Regeneration Projects: There was a considerable lack of trust in public authorities, but still, in the mid of what was called "the Troubles time", several regeneration projects started in 1977, which paved the way for the development of the city. At the same time, the urban development participated in more division at the urban and social fabric levels [11]. Despite the excellent quality of those projects, they are widening the mistrust gap with the authorities because the projects structured new social classes and served the wealthiest people in the city.…”

“…In 2020, the process was followed by the launch of the local development plan (2020-2035), which focuses on the development of the centres in the city at different levels, and it will ultimately create more opportunities for the city to play an active role in its economic growth. Additionally, it focuses on the following areas: city centres, district centres, local centres and neighbourhoods centres [11][12][13][14].…”

“…That's something I wouldn't have done before." [11] Physical Barriers Among The Communities: Within the community, barriers developed by using architectural and urban designs Figures 3 and 4, whereas as part of the housing program that took place from 1977 to 1985, open-ended streets were replaced with new close-ended roads Figure 5, which severed the connection of neighbourhoods in within the same community as well. This practice was part of an architectural and urban trend at that time that emphasized the privacy and local ownership of the public spaces, but designers have also added to it to fit within the security concerns in Belfast, as can be seen from the testimonies of the architects and urban designers who participated in the design of these neighbourhoods.…”

“…The design thinking around these redevelopment areas was how do you move back to something that gives local people control, and I suppose, keeps those that aren't from the area out." [11] "We tried to make a clear divide between pedestrians and cars, trying to make areas much more secure and controlled for the residents, to try and give people privacy and security." [12] Figure 6.…”

Walking, storytelling and melancholy survivals: memorialization of the ‘Troubles’ in Belfast’s City Centre

“…In cities that have experienced conflict, local governments often seek to transform the city's identity in order to promote it as safe and welcoming to investors and visitors. 17 In the 'quarterization' of Belfast, the city's urban heritage and memory are engaged in specific ways. For example, along the River Lagan, the Titanic heritage walking trail has interpretive boards telling the story of the city's shipbuilding industrial past.…”