Mechanisms of Spatial Subversion and Cultural Resilience
The research approaches borders not as fixed lines on a map, but as social, political and cultural systems shaped by history, power and lived experience. A mixed-methods design research approach was used to examine the historical construction of borders, the mechanisms that regulate movement and the ways these systems are experienced by individuals and communities. The research explored the legacy of European colonialism and how imposed territorial divisions continue to influence cultural, social and economic structures. Passports, visas and physical borders were also examined as tools that organise mobility and reinforce unequal access to movement across different contexts.
Dublin became a key setting for translating these wider questions into a local context. The research examined the city as result of both colonial history and contemporary migration, while also facing ongoing challenges around integration, housing and private speculation.
The project concludes by identifying areas for further research and consideration, including climate-driven migration, inclusive urban planning and the role of cultural communities in strengthening belonging in an era of geographical displacement.