CENTRE OF THE COLLECTIVE PAST
An intervention which uses collage as a form of repair, promoting social integration through fostering creative development and celebrating collective memories.
Unit 06: Blitz
TUTOR: DAN TALKES
THE ROLE OF MEMORY IN THE REPAIR IF A DIVIDED AND DISPUTED CONTEXT
Our unit collectively began our investigation into Belfast by exploring the concepts of old and new alongside the historical narratives of the Blitz and the Troubles still present today.
Beyond the notion of memory of an individual, the memory of the city itself exists not only through physical characteristics within the urban grain, but also on a subtler level such as the collective mindset of its inhabitants. The trauma endured by Belfast’s history is apparent through existing militarised barriers and bomb resistant public buildings. Alongside this, the city’s strong religious foundation is evident in the presence of ecclesiastical buildings, yet the historic divide through denominational conflict persists in the mindset of many of Belfast’s residents, reinforced by geographical separation and divisive barriers.
The narrative of Belfast presents us with a complex set of parameters for sensitive design which recognises the huge loss of people and place in Belfast through conflict, be it the 1941 Belfast Blitz or the Troubles. These past city traumas render all other memories of the city obsolete and now as the city tries to progress, the haunting past stunts development as neither community allows the other to move on.
Chan Chung
MEANS OF CONTEMPLATION
Integrating old and new, and interaction from diverse background. Bringing vibrancy to the area with the possibility of multiple opportunity not confined to the market.
Deeksha Audukoori
THE TABLE
International dining and participatory arts combined with services for refugees, that aim to create social cohesion between local and migrant communities
Gabriela Tsakova
RECONNECTING SAILORTOWN
A new urban vision for Belfast. Restitching the lost roots and providing connectivity. (—predominantly for the youth to inspire cross community change and —)
Jordan Grady
ORAL HISTORIES
A theatre and public space for community cohesion through shared oral histories with the intention to initiate a positive change within transgenerational trauma
Madeleine Rogers
HARMONISING THE SOCIAL DIVIDE
Reuniting the Falls and Shankill communities through a wellness hub predominantly for the youth to inspire cross community change and peace
Niamh Thornton
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Positively engaging with void, to repurpose existing infrastructure whilst restoring the streetscape, re-introducing public space and linking programme.
Patricia Marquina
THE RESTITCHED LINEARITY
Dedicating innovative spaces of artisan studios and exhibition galleries to appreciate the historic, working legacy of Sailortown for new communities
Patrick Kornherr
THE HEARTBEAT
A Music College inspired by the rhythms of the city, with the aim to heal and restore the fragmented city by making creativity accessible for every community.
Philip Hawkins
ACADEMY for the PERFORMING ARTS
Integrated schooling between two communities to celebrate creative identity beyond religious denomination
Sadeem Yacoub
THE GANTRY
An homage to Sailortown, fostering a future for the maritime, celebrating the industrial past of Sailortown, through ships and the journey they create.
Shanice Abbey
EWART LINEN WAREHOUSE
Restoration, renovation and extension of existing listed linen warehouse, exploring a human engagement with fibre + place through the story of Irish linen.
Stephanie Tam
CARS OUT, PEOPLE IN!
Reconnecting the underprivileged community from the West with the city centre through urban greening and streetscape restoration
