TRANSFORMATIONS

Building upon the foundations laid in project one, my next endeavour delves deeper into the profound challenges presented by the Hidden Barriers within Belfast. With an unwavering commitment to address these issues head on, I will propose a series of transformations that aim to dismantle the barriers and initiate meaningful change. Through our interventions I strive to achieve two primary objectives: to forge new connections and raise awareness about the social, economic, political and environmental repercussions caused by these barriers.

DIGI-TECH FACTORY

Location - Norwich, United Kingdom

Year constructed - 2021

Architect - Coffey Architects

The Digi-Tech Factory represents a remarkable architectural achievement that embodies the cutting-edge nature of digital technology and advanced manufacturing. Designed with functionality and flexibility in mind, the factory’s architecture seamlessly integrates with the high-tech machinery and robotic systems within its walls. The building’s layout and spatial organization prioritize efficiency, allowing for streamlined workflows and optimized production processes.

The building incorporates modern materials and sustainable design principles and embraces both aesthetics and functionality. With its sleek, contemporary design and attention to detail, the factory serves as an inspiring and dynamic environment for collaboration, innovation, and technological advancement in the field of digital manufacturing. The architectural design serves as a visual representation of the facility’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and shaping the future of the industry.

I was challenged to design a pavillion that creates new connections between the two communities and to also raise awareness of the social, economic, political and environmental effects that have been caused by the hidden barriers.

The site Hidden Barrier thst I have chosen to place my pavillion on, is the peacewall

Site Location

The location of my site that I have chosen is on the site of the old Beechfield Primary School Building on Beechfield Street.

Site History

The Beechfield Primary School first opened in 1938. In 2010, it held its last ever school production before the school doors closed for good. Following Mersey Street Primary School, Beechfield Primary closed due to dwindling numbers.

Proposal

My proposal for my site is that I want to re-join Beechfield Street to again be one street instead of two. The reason for this is that I want to reconnect the two communities.

Theory

With the two communities clearly separated by the peacewall, I wanted to change this and design a pavilion in an attempt to reconnect the two sides. Although many residents, on both sides, say that they prefer the wall up therefore, I want to open it up through Beechfield Street, just like it was before. This will subtly bring the two communities together whilst also having a place to reconnect through history and education. This also brings in the theory of Dark Tourism where having the wall still present will be a reminder of its significance that it had in the history of its past and present.

Materials

Corrugated metal – during my research of peace walls in Belfast, I have noticed similar materials that are used to construct them. These materials can include:

• Bricks

• Steel

• Iron

Sheets of corrugated metal are used to cover and heighten the walls fencings. My vision for the pavilion is to use the corrugated sheets to cover the outside external envelope of the building. The pavilion will be used as a viewing gallery type to see the history of the murals, sectarianism, etc. therefore, I am thinking of using concrete walls to display these. By using the corrugated metal, it will blend in with the peace wall that still stands there.

Brick – as I plan to take some of the peace wall down in order to join Beechfield Street on both sides, the bricks that were used for the peace wall, I will reuse them to create the path between them, connecting the streets.

Mesh Steel Frame – going back to my precedent building, Digi-Tech Factory, I took inspiration from the mesh screen used to cover the envelope of the building. These panels are lightweight, and the screen is held by using I beams.

This project marks a shift in focus from the core architectural skills of observation and communication to the technical knowledge of structure, materials and methods of assembly. As we embark from this transformative journey, we aim to leverage our expertise in architectural design and construction to create innovative solutions that challenge the status quo.

Adaptive Reuse

By reusing the materials from the peacewall, it will aid is the sustainability and promote historic value.

For my pavillion, I will be repurposing the peacewall’s fence to create the mesh like exterior and I will also use the bricks to create a new path between the two communities.

Forensics

The forensics project

Case Study area – Junction of the Westlink and Clifton Street / Carlisle

This project offers a unique opportunity to gather crucial evidence, shedding light on the intricate impact of contract within Belfast. The aim is to prompt profound discussions on spirited debates, fostering a deeper understanding of the distinct yet interconnected ways in which conflict has shaped the communities. Through the lens of forensics, by joining my classmates, we embarked on a journey of discovery carefully pacing together the fragments of the past to create a comprehensive narrative. By engaging with the forensic techniques, we have aimed to unravel the complex layers of history, examining physical traces left behind and the lasting impact on the built environment.

Looking into the history of the Westlink and how it disconnected the communities and for many, it remains an enduring Hidden Barrier and this is shown by how Regent Street was abruptly cut into two separate pieces.

Starting off with a group site visit, we gathered all the information we needed to start the investigation. We each had chosen a specific building to focus on within the chosen site and with this, we were each able to document and analysis the building and its location.

My chosen building was the Orange Hall on Clifton Street

Working as a team we were able to create a 1:100 site model of the Westlink site.

The model which I made was of the Orange Hall

In addition, we also created a site elevation.

For this, I had drawn the wesklink

I was then challenged with designing a ‘fragment’ which will focus on a small, intimate space, a threshold, between different spaces that will encourage a moment’s pause and reflection.

I took inspiration from the Jewish Museum by Daniel Libeskind, in the way he uses diagonal cut out of the building’s envelope to create unique light within the building.

Radical Reconstructions

Further into my investigations into the site of the junction at the Westlink at Carlisle Circus / Clifton Street, I was then challanged to create a scar that will respond to a common set of fundamental challenges. Within the case study site, it offers opportunities for development of a mix of empty ‘brownfield spaces’ as well as potential to demolish or use adaptive reuse on exisiting buildings.

I was asked to use where possible, a timver structure and to explore the use of maximizing sustainable design principles.

Jewish Museum

Location - Kreuzberg District, Berlin, Germany

Year constructed - 1999

Architects - Studio Libeskind

The Jewish Museum in Berlin is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history, heritage, and contributions of the Jewish people in Germany. Located in the vibrant Kreuzberg District, the museum serves as a partial symbol of Jewish life, remembrance, and reconciliation.

The museum’s site holds historical significance as it is situated in the former neighbourhood of the Jewish community in Berlin. The area was once home to a vibrant Jewish population before World War 2 and the Holocaust dramatically altered the demographic landscape.

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 regular basis. As a result, the Westlink has now become 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 this crisis into an opportunity, creating a unique and vibrant community centred around their new waterway. While the impacts of the climate emergency continue to be felt, 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 have 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 and 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 in within shops and cafes. In addition to providing basic necessities, the centre should also provide a range of support services, including mental health counselling and consultancy support. The centre’s design should prioritize 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 flooding. 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 a 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 creating 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 eco-friendly materials is becoming more competitive, making it increasingly feasible for developers to incorporate sustainable design principles into their projects. By prioritizing the use of eco-friendly materials, we can build more sustainable buildings that are better for the environment, better for our health, and better for our future.

In recent years, the phenomenon of dark tourism has gained significant traction, offering a unique lens through which to explore historical and cultural sites associated with tragedy, conflict, and suffering. One city that exemplifies the potential of dark tourism as an architectural concept is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Nestled amidst a turbulent history of sectarian division and political strife, Belfast has emerged as a captivating destination that seamlessly blends architectural marvels with narratives of its troubled past.

Drawing inspiration from the shadows that once enveloped this resilient city, dark tourism in Belfast takes visitors on a thought-provoking journey through structures that bear witness to moments of turmoil, while simultaneously providing spaces for reflection, commemoration, and the pursuit of reconciliation. By intertwining history, architectural design, and storytelling, Belfast showcases how dark tourism can serve as a powerful medium to confront and engage with difficult aspects of our shared human experience.

Deconstructivism, an avant-garde architectural movement, offers a compelling lens through which to explore the concept of dark tourism. By embracing the principles of fragmentation, distortion, and disorientation, deconstructivist architecture serves as a powerful visual language to evoke a sense of unease, disruption, and the complexities inherent in dark tourism sites.

While developing the design for the Jewish Museum Berlin, Architect Daniel Libeskind plotted the addresses of prominent Jewish and German citizens on a map of prewar Berlin and joined the points to form an “irrational and invisible matrix,” on which he based the geometry and shape of the building.

Getting My Shape

Taking inspiration from the way Daniel Libeskind got the shape of the Jewish Museum, I was able to gather the locations of prominent bombings that happened in Belfast.

2nd Sept, 1971

2.

- 23rd May, 1971

1971

1971

Carrickfergus Newtownabbey North Belfast

Murder Triangle

The ‘Murder Triangle,’ is a term used to describe a region of Belfast, NI that has seen a significant amount of violence and sectarian conflict over the paste several decades.

During the Troubles of the 1970s and 1980s, the Murder Triangle was the site of some of the most intense violence in Northern Ireland.

10.

1975

11.