Belfast: Common ground Part 2 Project 2015 Christodoulos ChristodoulouCraig SmithBen MunroJack Stephenson University of Bath | UK The formerly thriving urban centre of Belfast was founded upon pioneering industry and manufacturing. Years of conflict, industrial decline and poorly planned infrastructure have created a divided and defensive city.This vision for Belfast explores the notion of Common Ground: ‘the opinions or interests shared by each of two or more parties - a foundation for mutual understanding.’ Belfast’s Common Ground is the shared space between closed communities and the thriving city core. It is the negative space or ‘uncharged’ land that has the potential to address Belfast’s urban issues.Belfast has developed an inward facing attitude, scarred by planning blight and low-density cul-de-sac housing erected during the Troubles. Vacant sites are occupied by a surplus of surface car parking resulting in an incredible lack of green space. Consequently, there has been a dramatic decline in population and Belfast continues to shrink, losing the critical mass to sustain a truly active city.The proposed masterplan therefore demonstrates the potential capacity of Belfast’s Common Ground and its key role in facilitating the collective rebuilding of the city. It aims provide the inspiration that is required to re-densify Belfast and provide the vital social infrastructure for the cities future. Tutor(s)Mr Alex Wright