Peace Wall Stories

A survey in 2017 by the Belfast Interface Project identified 116 instances of “Security architecture and the defensive use of space” in Northern Ireland, 97 of which were in Belfast. These spaces or interface barriers are known locally as Peace Walls. They are mostly made of concrete or wire fencing, but may be a gate or road closure barrier or a defensive structure. Over the past 50 years they have become part of everyday life for many people. In March 2021 a group of people who live, work or grew up near the Peace Walls were photographed and videoed telling stories of their experiences. The stories are extremely personal and varied, often even seeming contradictory as are the peoples life experiences and memories of the same streets often at the same time. The faces that make up this wall come to life on your mobile phone as they share their stories through the videos or in the AR app. Every story is personal, every story is different and together the stories make another kind of wall.