Divided Architectures: Hidden Infrastructures of Separation and Cohesion

This chapter provides two novel perspectives on the overlooked role played by “everyday” architecture in post-conflict Belfast. It first reveals the capacity of architecture to latently reinforce and duplicate conflict forces by examining an historic body of hidden barriers put in place between 1977-1985 as part of a confidential programme of government security-planning. It illustrates how seemingly nondescript buildings and spaces work in unseen ways to foster continued social division. It then moves on to provide a contemporary counterpoint by revealing the capacity of architecture to stimulate positive micro-politics between divided groups. It analyses a series of publicly funded Community Hubs which generate novel architectures that promote social mixing. It illustrates how these buildings and spaces work in hidden ways to stimulate and sustain new forms of cross-community contact. The chapter concludes by arguing for a re-evaluation of the role that architecture plays within wider peace building policy processes. © Balkiz Yapicioglu and Konstantinos Lalenis 2022.