Alternative Arrangements

The architectural project, 'Life within Redactions,' is located on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It emerged from extensive research conducted on the border crossing points in Belleek, analysing their history during times of conflict and highlighting subtle visual cues of the present-day border. Collages were created to translate the atmospheres and site features of these points, revealing faint graffiti marks on the ruins of one of the sites. Further exploration of photographic data uncovered redactions of political graffiti with black paint.

This discovery sparked a keen interest in redactions and their implications within the Irish context, particularly among those affected by the Troubles who believe that full and unfiltered access to the past is crucial for reconciliation. Recognizing the permanence of the redactions, alternative approaches were sought, drawing inspiration from the research conducted by the Wave Trauma Centre. This led to the development of a programme brief that encompasses spaces for education, discussion, and therapy. Simultaneously, attention was given to site features, including the ruins and the border-marking trees, which inspired the notion of transparency within the architectural project.

The proposed building for 'Life within Redactions' is meticulously designed to create specific experiences that align with the intended location. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an outdoor courtyard that incorporates a significant portion of the redacted ruin. From there, they proceed to a lobby/discussion space that serves as the connection point for three distinct exhibition areas. These areas focus on redacted documents, located near the redacted ruin, the history of the physical border, accessed by crossing the border, and the stories of Troubles victims, situated further away from the main road. To ensure privacy and comfort, a separate therapy space has been strategically positioned apart from the main structure. The walkways located between the various structures aim to establish a strong connection between visitors and the site. To conceptually bridge the gap between the research conducted and the building's atmospheres, in-depth analysis of precedents such as 'The Laban Dance Centre' in London and 'The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe' in Berlin was conducted. This analysis led to the strategic differentiation of spaces within the proposed building through varying degrees of transparency.

Full transparency serves as a poetic representation of the research conducted on the site's physical border, offering unobstructed views from within the building. The opposing semi-transparency is achieved by incorporating polycarbonate panels as a second skin, symbolizing the ongoing effort towards reconciliation despite the redactions. These panels diffuse light for windows that do not directly focus on the border. During evening hours, when the building's interior lights are illuminated, the resulting cast shadows create evocative silhouettes that embody the experience of living and walking amidst redactions while seeking ways to reconcile despite their presence.