Spaces of Peace - conference
Palace of the AcademiesSPACES OF PEACE: ARCHITECTURE AS DIPLOMACY
Conference, Brussels | 21 November 2019 | Free admission, registration

Our built environments – spaces, architecture and urban spaces – have a physical, cognitive and emotional impact on us. This affects our behaviour and how we interact with each other. Built environments enable social encounters or prevent them. Spaces that do not function in their intended use trigger annoyance and distrust not only towards the space, but also towards other people in the space. Surroundings that feel safe emotionally spark experiences of trust and hope.
The societal impact of built environments as a contributor to peace, stability, polarisation or conflict is a rising perspective on architecture. ‘Spaces of Peace – Architecture as Diplomacy’ conference approaches architecture as a tool for peace-building from spaces of peace mediation and reconstruction of post-conflict cities to building peacetime cities that prevent polarisation and conflict. The talks open up perspectives to how architecture and design can contribute to literally building peace now and in the future.
The conference is realised in partnership with the Embassy of Finland in Belgium, Archinfo Finland, and Raven & Wood Agency.
The conference is part of the official programme of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
REGISTRATION + LANGUAGE
The conference is free of charge, but please reserve your seat by registering.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spaces-of-peace-architecture-as-diplomacy-tickets-77972928127
Language of the conference is English.
PROGRAMME
13.00 Doors open
13.30 Welcome
13.45 Esa Laaksonen | The Impact of Space - Case: Spaces of Peace Mediation
14.30 Helena Sandman | Designing with and for Empathy
15.15 Coffee Break
15.30 Bengin Dawod | Architect as Peacebuilder
16.15 Miriam Bensky | Changing Spaces of Peace Dialogues
17.00 Panel discussion | Q&A with the audience Esa Laaksonen, Helena Sandman, Bengin Dawod, Miriam Bensky, moderated by Heini Lehtinen
17.30 End of conference
MORE INFORMATION + UPDATES
Spaces of Peace – Facebook Event
SPEAKERS + TALKS
Esa Laaksonen | The Impact of Space – Case: Spaces of Peace Mediation
Architect | Friman Laaksonen Architects. Helsinki, Finland
Helena Sandman | Designing with and for Empathy
Architect | Hollmén Reuter Sandman Architects. Helsinki, Finland
Bengin Dawod | Architect as Peacebuilder
Architect, urban designer | The Soul of the City. Aleppo, Syria / Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Miriam Bensky | Changing Spaces of Peace Dialogues
Independent conflict resolution advisor. Ankara, Turkey
MODERATOR
Heini Lehtinen
Designer, founder | Raven & Wood Agency. Helsinki, Finland