Design Concepts for the Peace Line
Design Concepts for the Peace Line, a collaborative project between Studio idir and Starling Start, focused on creative and participatory engagement to engage the true experts of the neighbourhood - the people who live and work there.
Creative engagement with neighbours.
This project centered on the second longest security structure in Northern Ireland, which runs the length of Alliance Avenue and Glenbryn Park in north Belfast, spanning 650 meters and dating back to 1969.
Given the proximity to people's homes and the contentious history of the peace wall, it was essential to create a comfortable space for residents to discuss their experiences and aspirations. Rather than hosting traditional sessions in a community center, we opted for an intimate setting where quiet conversations could take place.
To capture attention and meet residents where they were, we based ourselves in a yellow vintage campervan for a day. This mobile shared space became a hub for intimate conversations on both sides of the interface. Equipped with hot drinks, biscuits, lollipops, and crafts, we created a welcoming atmosphere. Studio idir also prepared a series of concepts for review, including a scale model of the security structure, allowing residents to visualize the neighborhood context.
Creative engagement with neighbours.
We made six stops throughout the day, inviting residents out of their homes to discuss their connections, fears, hopes, and ideas for the future of the peace wall. This method enabled us to engage with almost 90 people, gathering diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Scale model of the security structure and surrounding neighbourhood, by Studio idir.
Handmade paper houses, by local children, demonstrating the scale of the security structure.
The insights and views collected during these engagements were compiled into a comprehensive report with recommendations for the Client, Department of Justice. The residents' feedback provided valuable input for reimagining the future of the peace wall.
"The approach taken to community engagement and the generation of new ideas was very refreshing."
– Michael McAvoy
Head of Interfaces at the Department of Justice
This project exemplifies the power of creative, participatory engagement in addressing complex, historically contentious issues. By meeting people where they were and creating a comfortable, open environment, we facilitated important conversations that will help shape the future of the peace wall structure.
Discussing design concepts for the future of the peace wall with neighbours.
We captured the process through a short movie by Simon Mills that can be viewed here.
Client: Department of Justice
Team: Dr Aisling Rusk, Amberlea Neely, Katie Stringer, Graham Gowdy, Daisy the Campervan.
Photos: Simon Mills