CLIMATE CHANGE
Flooding is a natural disaster that occurs when water overflows onto land that is usually dry. Climate change has also led to more frequent and severe flooding due to rising sea levels and increased precipitation.
In an imagined version of Belfast, the climate emergency has escalated to a point where the River Lagan floods the city's Westlink on a regular basis. As a result, the Westlink has now become a permanent river, known as the Westlink River by the city's residents. The once bustling road is now a waterway, with boats and kayaks replacing cars and buses. The submerged roads have been transformed into an unexpected aquatic ecosystem, with fish and other marine creatures now thriving in the new environment. The city's residents have come to adapt to the new reality embracing the Westlink River and using it for recreation and transportation. Despite the challenges posed by the climate emergency, the people of Belfast have found a way to turn the crisis into an opportunity, creating a unique and vibrant community centred around their new waterway. While the impacts of the climate emergency continued to be undergone, the residents of Belfast have shown that they can adapt and thrive in even the most challenging circumstances. However, it has had a devastating impact on people's homes. Many houses and buildings in flood prone areas have been damaged or destroyed, leaving their residents displaced and in need of assistance. The residents have had to endure the trauma of losing their homes and possessions, and in many cases, they had to evacuate to emergency shelters or seek temporary housing elsewhere. The flooding has also resulted in long term psychological effects on those affected with anxiety, stress and depression being common among flood victims. The residents of Belfast are now in desperate need of help, with urgent assistance required to repair and rebuild homes and provide support for those affected by the flooding.
From this there is now a need for a flood relief centre for the residents of Belfast affected. Designing the centre would require careful consideration on planning. The centre should be located in an area that is easily accessible to those affected and should be designed to provide a safe and secure environment for residents to seek refuge during and after flooding events. Within the centre, it should be equipped with adequate supplies, including food, water, blankets, and medical supplies, to support residents until they can safely return to their homes. This could be within shops and cafes. In addition to providing basic necessities, this centre should also provide a range of support services, including mental health counselling and consultancy support. The centres design should prioritise accessibility for all residents, including those with disabilities and the elderly. It should also be designed to withstand future flooding events, with flood resistant materials and protective measures to prevent damage from future flood and the centre could also serve as a hub for disaster response and community building, bringing together local organisations and volunteers to support the community and build resilience against future flooding events.
The construction industry is responsible for significant portion of global carbon emissions, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. By using eco-friendly materials, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and help mitigate the impact of climate change. Eco friendly materials, such as sustainable wood, recycled steel, and natural insulation, have a lower environmental impact than traditional construction materials, requiring fewer resources to produce and create less waste. Additionally, eco-friendly buildings have been shown to have significant benefits, such as improved indoor air quality and energy
efficiency, leading to lower operating costs and increased occupant comfort. As the demand for sustainable buildings grows, the cost of ecofriendly materials is becoming more competitive, making it increasingly feasible for developers to incorporate sustainable design principles into their projects. By prioritising the use of eco-friendly materials, we can build more sustainable buildings that are better for the environment, better for health, and better for our future.
Building a Boulevard within the city of Belfast could help to connect the two communities and promote social cohesion. The Boulevard would provide a central public space that is assessable to all residents of the city, regardless of their background or community affiliation. By creating a shared public space, the Boulevard would encourage interaction and dialogue between people from different communities, helping to break down barriers and foster understanding. Additionally, the Boulevard could be designed to celebrate the cultural heritage of both communities, incorporating public art and design elements that reflect the city's diverse history and traditions. This would create a sense of shared ownership and pride in the space, further strengthening the connections between the communities. It has the potential to promote social cohesion, break down barriers, and celebrate the diversity of the city’s communities.
The division of Regent Street during the troubles physically separated communities and reinforced the barriers that existed between them. By rejoining the street, via a bridge across the West link river, Belfast can create a symbolic intangible pathway for unity and reconciliation. Reconnecting Regent Street would facilitate increased interaction and communication between residents fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose. It would provide an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, cultural expression, and economic development, as well as the promotion of mutual respect and understanding. It would serve as a visible symbol of progress and demonstrate the city's commitment to healing the wounds of the past.