Innovating Interface Architecture: Investigating the adaptive reuse of the abandoned buildings dividing Belfast’s communities.

Summary

The conflict in and about Northern Ireland (often referred to as ‘the Troubles’) has profoundly impacted the social, political and economic structures of the region, but the architectural legacy of the Troubles remains an underdeveloped area of scholarship. This project addresses an important but critically overlooked aspect of this legacy; the neglected and abandoned buildings residing within contested ‘interface zones’ dividing contentious Catholic and Protestant communities in Belfast. Termed here as Interface Architecture, they range from buildings of noted historic interest such as Victorian-era linen mills and churches, to post-war school buildings, to nondescript functions such as telephone exchanges and warehouses. This Interface Architecture has huge potential for rehabilitation. However, there are significant barriers to conventional architectural intervention due to the cultural and geographical sensitivities imbued in these interface locations.

This PhD opportunity is a Collaborative Doctoral Award in partnership with the Northern Ireland Department of Justice (DoJ). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with colleagues from the DoJ and undertake departmental secondments as the research progresses. For full details see:

https://northernbridge.ac.uk/media/sites/teaching/northernbridge/CoylesDavid_Ulster_DoJ.pdf

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The PhD conceptualises this Interface Architecture as latent community assets, where adaptive reuse offers the opportunity to promote local social, economic and environmental transformation - with aims and objectives that will be applicable beyond the immediate focus of the study:

• To understand the potential of innovative adaptive reuse to address local social, economic and environmental deprivation
• To understand the capacity of innovative adaptive reuse to foster inclusive connectivity in physically divided areas
• To evaluate neglected architectural heritage and optimising its cultural and economic potential
• To evaluate innovative adaptive reuse as a catalyst for social, economic and environmental inner city rehabilitation (regional, national and international)

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The proposal suggests four introductory research questions:

1. Where are the opportunities to adapt and reuse Interface Architecture?

   What buildings are involved? Where are they located? What communities are impacted?

2. What is the potential for social, economic and environmental benefit?

   Opportunities for job creation? Community Asset Transfer? Neighbourhood planning?

3. How might the innovation of Interface Architecture inform peacebuilding policy?

   Implications for Department of Justice interface policy and wider Northern Ireland conflict-transformation initiatives?

4. What are the lessons (policy and practical) for analogous national and international contexts?

How might research findings inform understanding of contentious cities and deprived inner city areas?

The PhD provides a unique opportunity to explore and reveal how adaptive reuse of Interface Architecture opens up pathways for social, economic and environmental enhancement, whilst addressing important issues of inner city deprivation, inclusive placemaking and inter-communal peacebuilding.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Northern Bridge Collaborative Doctoral Award

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD awards are also available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a seven year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.