Narratives of Spatial Division: The Role of Social Memory in Shaping Urban Space in Belfast

Abstract

The paper examines the role of shared spaces in divided cities in promoting future sustainable communities and spaces described as inclusive to all. It addresses the current challenges that prevent such inclusiveness and suggests future trends of its development to be of benefit to the wider city community. It explains how spaces in divided cities are carved up into perceived ownerships and territorialized areas, which increases tension on the shared space between territories; the control of which can often lead to inter-community disputes. The paper reports that common shared space in-between conflicting communities takes on increased importance since the nature of the conflict places emphasis on communities' confidence, politically and socially, while also highlighting the necessity for confidence in inclusion and feeling secure in the public domain. In order to achieve sustainable environments, strategies to promote shared spaces require further focus on the significance of everyday dynamics as essential aspects for future integration and conflict resolution.

Fear in disguise: defensive architecture and façade permeability in shaping the urban experience of Belfast’s public spaces

“…Conceived within a brownfield redevelopment completed in 2009, St Anne's Square in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is a main public space and is one of Belfast's youngest. It is located within walking distance of the commercial core, Royal Avenue, and is positioned directly behind the historic St Anne's Cathedral [13]. This ensures that the public space is substantially related to Belfast's historical culture as well as being an element of its developing urban fabric.…”

“…12 While predominantly appearing in residential areas with different shapes or forms, Peace Line walls remain a powerful physical manifestation of deep urban division that is just as visible to the outside eye. 13 They are largely experienced by families and children walking along the high barrier every morning to reach schools or workplaces, or having to plan to return home before gates close at night.…”

Contested Heritage: An Analysis of the Physical Transformation of Derry/Londonderry’s Siege Monument

“…By their very existence as defensive fortresses, walled cities witnessed violent histories that changed their political and national allegiance over time (Mulholland et al, 2014;Selim, 2015). These cities, while superficially embracing citizenship and collective sense of spatial belongings, are also inescapably performing other forms of exclusion and marginalisation of other social groups.…”