The Role of Urban Planning and Architecture in Building Sustainable Peace: Lessons from Belfast to Syria.

Abstract / Summary

The study examines the relationship between peacebuilding and urban planning by comparing the post-conflict recovery experience of Belfast with the Syrian case. It demonstrates that the peacebuilding process is not neutral; rather, it can either pave the way for sustainable development or contribute to a relapse into conflict. Accordingly, urban planning and architecture play a pivotal role in consolidating peace, and integrating urban policies into the peacebuilding process is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development.

The Belfast case study confirms that post-conflict urban recovery is a sensitive process that directly influences the trajectory of peace, as it can be used either to entrench political power or to reproduce divisions. Therefore, peace agreements must be accompanied by just urban interventions that address the material and psychological needs of different groups and work toward building a shared identity that respects diversity. Moreover, neglecting spatial barriers and hidden divisions weakens reconstruction efforts and threatens the sustainability of peace, whereas inclusive and equitable planning and architecture contribute to building trust and achieving long-term peace.