Conflict in Cities is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council of Great Britain (grant number: RES-060-25-0015)
For website general enquiries, please contact: info@conflictincities.org
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge
1-5 Scroope Terrace, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
Educational Background and Experience:
Undergraduate studies in Social Anthropology and Economics at SOAS, London and Political Science at Sciences-Po, Paris,
A Masters degree in Housing and Urbanism at the Architectural Association, London. His thesis investigated spaces of urban division, comparing the urban structures and political experiences of Beirut, Berlin and Paris.
Experience working alongside international organisations in Europe, the Middle-East and Africa.
Before commencing his PhD studies Konstantin worked with KCAP Architects & Planners on strategic planning for the city of Perm in Russia.
Working Title of Thesis:
The Role of Public Space in Contested Beirut.
Abstract/Main Argument/Field of Enquiry:
By analysing the role key public spaces play in Beirut since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and the Syrian military pullout, the dissertation will examine the concept of public space and its relevance in a city and country governed by a number of disparate groups and a weak contested state. Beirut’s continuing fragmentation since the end of the 15-year long civil war and the consolidation of enclaves in different parts of the city make the question of public space a vital one for future coexistence. It raises issues of territorialisation, urban order, the formation of a public, the practice of space and state formation in a highly volatile environment. In this context, the dissertation will attempt to re-think the concept of public space through the notion of agon and explore the possibilities for an architecture which recognises the urban processes and structure of conflict and which turns contested spaces into platforms of agonistic urbanism, into a ground where differences can be played out.
E-mail: kk419@cam.ac.uk
PhD students:
Anita Bakshi
Architecture, University of Cambridge (Nicosia)
Giulia Carabelli
Sociology, Queens University Belfast (Mostar)
Monika Halkort
Sociology, Queens University Belfast (Nahr el Bared refugee camp, Tripoli, Lebanon)
Konstantin Kastrissianakis
Architecture, University of Cambridge (Beirut)
Karl O'Connor
Politics, University of Exeter (Brussels, Nicosia and Beirut)
Linda Rootamm
Sociology, Queens University Belfast (Berlin)
Kelsey Shanks
Politics, University of Exeter (Kirkuk)
Affiliated Graduates
Annie Kane-Horrigan
Sociology, Queens University Belfast (Belfast)
Brendan Browne
Sociology, Queens University Belfast (Ramallah/Belfast)