makeshift

On the 31st August 1994 the IRA announced a cease-fire of military actions. At that time there were 15 recognised peace walls in Belfast. 12 years on there are over 40 and they are still growing in number, length and height.

The proposal to re-programme one such wall was derived from the story of two middle aged women who live on the interface in Belfast. Even though they have lived their lives without seeing 'eye to eye' they both agree on one issue: that they cannot see a future without the wall. It has become engrained not only physically but psychologically in the minds of those who live within its presence. The proposal aspires to create a possible future for the Peace Walls of Belfast, by imagining a scenario where the walls are celebrated and utilised by both communities as a dynamic urban phenomenon unique to Belfast.

The wall is to become a device that can be programmed over time to facilitate and sustain cross-community activies. The various programs and urban prototypes will work within a 'new planning process' that will subvert the current legislation for peace wall construction and expansion, and work towards their adaption and partial removal by active participation. Overseeing the programmes will be 'angels'; various people and devices involved in the process; with the ability to have exceptional powers at certain moments in time.

The project can be viewed in full here, there is also a video here.