Staff and students from the renowned Harvard Graduate School of Design are to look at ways of developing Belfast’s port lands.

The delegation is in Belfast at the invitation of the University of Ulster’s School of the Built Environment in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Titanic Quarter Ltd. During their visit they will be holding one of the Design School’s eminent “Studios” at which the potential future of the land will be discussed.

Teaching at the Studio will be led by architecture and real estate experts Professor Richard Sommer and Professor Rick Peiser of Harvard GSD.

The visit further underlines the University of Ulster’s strong links Harvard GSD, which is considered to be one of the world’s leading design schools.

Eighteen students from the disciplines of Urban Design, Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Real Estate at Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) will undertake a study into the Belfast Portlands with the intention of creating a holistic vision for future development in the area.  This includes proposals for the former industrial lands of Titanic Quarter and the working harbour in the Lagan basin. 

During their week in Belfast, the Harvard team will receive presentations from key strategic stakeholders whilst also visiting the Portlands area to physically consider the future usages of the land.  The outcome of the Studio is to develop a series of planning strategies and design tactics that highlight the opportunities and obstacles this area presents for enhancing the city of Belfast and the region as a whole.

A number of events are being hosted for the team during the week including receptions by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the Department for Social Development and Belfast City Council.

The relationship between the University of Ulster and Harvard Graduate School of Design has been ongoing for several years with strong connections developed between the two institutions. 

The Portlands Studio is the third in a series that have taken place over the past two years.  Previous Studios incorporated proposals for regeneration in the Albert Basin area of Newry City, and Ebrington in Derry.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk