Tim Cunningham

"This exhibition showcases research from my forthcoming book ""Human Rights and the Architecture of Conflict,"" examining how urban design and infrastructure have been weaponized to enforce social segregation across different contexts. My comparative analysis reveals striking parallels between Belfast, Northern Ireland and American cities like Miami, where roads, walls, and other ""defensive"" architectural features systematically constrain mobility and deepen social divisions.

Research Significance
This work directly addresses the ROH theme of ""Urban Community Design"" by exposing how planning decisions that appear neutral can create lasting spatial inequalities. Through walking ethnography and documentary photography, I've captured visual evidence of how infrastructure becomes a tool for social control—from Belfast's ""peace walls"" to Miami's deliberately severed streets that maintain racial boundaries. These design practices impede community connectivity, concentrate disadvantage, and undermine sustainable urban development.

Exhibition Elements
The exhibition will feature:

• A visual timeline comparing coercive design practices across contexts
• Large-format photographs documenting architectural barriers
• Interactive maps showing how infrastructure reinforces social boundaries
• Extracts from interviews showing the impact of design on segregation and social exclusion.

This research aligns with SDG #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting how urban design decisions can either promote or prevent inclusive community development. By exposing these practices, this work contributes to reconciliation efforts and more equitable planning approaches that foster connection rather than division.
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