Dissolving Boundaries: a catalytic approach to ameliorate Belfast, Northern Ireland

Abstract

This thesis is aimed to develop a large scale program, for a place whose essence is inherently filled with a schism of political and religious turmoil, and provide an opportunity for amelioration and conciliation. The schism of political and religious turmoil was researched, along with the history of Belfast, Northern Ireland in order to grasp the physical and emotional aspects throughout hundreds of years. This would then give a lead to a program that will aid in the current recovery process that the city is undergoing. The large scale program reflects that scale of the unused Crumlin Road Gaol, which is the site for what will be used to connect communities in the near future and in many years to come. This all adds up to the opportunity for amelioration of two communities that haven’t seen eye to eye for hundreds of years. Religious beliefs have fueled ignorant battles, but with the implementation of an integrated religious school, children, along with their families and other residents, will learn from one another. This creates the hope that an intelligent effort put forth to create stability and positive options will expound many other acts of peacemaking.