Narratives of Spatial Division： The Role of Social Memory in Shaping Urban Space in Belfast

The paper examines the role of shared spaces in divided cities in promoting future sustainable communities and spaces described as inclusive to all. It addresses the current challenges that prevent such inclusiveness and suggests future trends of its development to be of benefit to the wider city community. It explains how spaces in divided cities are carved up into perceived ownerships and territorialized areas, which increases tension on the shared space between territories; the control of which can often lead to inter-community disputes. The paper reports that common shared space in-between conflicting communities takes on increased importance since the nature of the conflict places emphasis on communities＇ confidence, politically and socially, while also highlighting the necessity for confidence in inclusion and feeling secure in the public domain. In order to achieve sustainable environments, strategies to promote shared spaces require further focus on the significance of everyday dynamics as essential aspects for future integration and conflict resolution.     

Improving Conviviality in Public Places： The Case of Naples, Italy

Under the umbrella concept of conviviality in public spaces, a research project on the rehabilitation of urban areas for commercial and retail uses---as engine of a complex process of production of places for social and cultural mixit6--has been defined. The aim of this research has been to produce useful tools for coping with the abandonment of public spaces in former commercial urban areas, without generating anonymous and globalized commercial districts. Through involving local stakeholders in a participatory process, the first phase of the research here presented needs to demonstrate the possible effectiveness of a pilot action plan in dealing with both isolation and gentrification processes of historical centres. The main hypothesis is that traditional retailers should be considered an essential element to ensure effective public use of urban public spaces. The research methodology is based on a qualitative approach. Focussing on the process of impoverishment within local commercial districts, the research group started working with local stakeholders in order to identify priorities and criticisms for enhancing a regeneration process. The case study to be carried out in Naples is the historical market place of Piazza Mercato in the Citth Bassa of Naples （Italy）.     

城市与未来

人群的聚居使得精彩的剧情经常在灵活的空间里上演。设计优良的建筑和公共空间鼓励社会包容性,并为用户平添乐趣。好的建筑要创造"有容乃大"的社会环境。衡量城市生活质量的标准之一是探究公共空间的设计是否为城市注入了无限活力。     

理查德·罗杰斯

人群的聚居使得精彩的剧情经常在灵活的空间里上演。设计优良的建筑和公共空间鼓励社会包容性,并为用户平添乐趣。好的建筑要创造"有容乃大"的社会环境。衡量城市生活质量的标准之一是探究公共空间的设计是否为城市注入了无限活力。