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Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge
The Martin Centre, 6 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EB, UK
Liam O'Dowd and James Anderson were invited to take part in 'Developing Shared Space in Belfast' - a seminar held jointly by Belfast City Council, the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast and the Community Relations Council for Northern Ireland.
The objectives of the seminar are:
- To present the findings of two commissioned research reports - 'Local Area Planning in the Context of Promoting Good Relations' and 'Sharing and Interaction in Public Spaces in Belfast';
- To explore the meaning and measurement of shared space in Belfast; and
- To engage in discussion on potential future pilot projects in the city.
Alongside presentations of the research projects, the participants will also hear from leading policy makers and academics. These will include Joost Beunderman, one of the authors of the Demos Report 'Equally Spaced?', highlighting the potential role of public space in achieving sustained encounters between diverse com munities and in developing an overall sense of belonging. Ken Worpole, author of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report 'The Social Value of Public Spaces',will also contribute to the conversation.
It is expected that the seminar will present an opportunity to discuss and develop a series of proposals for collaborative actions in relation to shared space in Belfast which will inform and assist political decision makers.