The StreetSpace studio is tackling Northern Ireland’s housing crisis through a human-centred and design-led approach. In partnership with Participation and the Practice of Rights’ Take Back the City campaign and the international Change Stories project, the studio focuses on the intersection of housing, home, and neighbourhood.

Northern Ireland faces a stark housing crisis, with 56,000 families on social housing waiting lists and 21,000 vacant homes. In Belfast alone, nearly 10,000 households are in need, while 80 hectares of public land remain unused. These figures represent real people living in inadequate conditions - an issue architects are uniquely positioned to address.

Over the past six years, the StreetSpace studio has explored housing and mobility in Belfast’s most disadvantaged areas. We incorporate storytelling and ethnographic research, engaging directly with residents and those in housing need. This year, students conducted interviews, community garden visits, and formal and informal meetings with groups to understand personal stories of home and community and better understand the systemic issues behind the crisis. The research culminated in a masterplan for part of the Mackie’s site, envisioning a sustainable, inclusive neighbourhood with mixed-use housing. The exhibition showcases the proposals and research findings.

The project is supported by Public Engagement at QUB, the Housing Executive, Housing Associations, and a team of expert consultants and educators. These include Azadeh Sobout, Aisling Madden, Matthew Lloyd, Miriam Delaney, Birgit Hausleitner, and Aoife McGee, each bringing expertise in social, urban, and community-led design.

Led by Agustina Martire and Tarla MacGabhann, the studio aims to empower students to become socially conscious architects. Through deep engagement and design, they will contribute to shaping equitable and sustainable housing solutions for communities in urgent need.