The book Glamour and Gloom: 1930s architecture in Belfast was published in November 2017.
It consists of texts researched and written by students of architecture and is edited by Dr Tanja Poppelreuter. The project evolved from students’ essays and dissertations and is testament of their interest in local modern architectural history. Students were enthused by learning about the context within which modern architecture was conceived in Belfast and they were also astonished and concerned to discover that these buildings are now often undervalued, derelict and at risk. Out of a general concern for the state of the buildings and the lack of awareness of their importance, the students researched and interpreted a number of 1930s structures.
They visited archives and read published material including newspaper and journal articles in order to gather information and share their interest, in the hope that it would help in finding future uses for the buildings. In addition to contributing to the publication, the editor raised public awareness of these buildings through lectures and TV interviews.
The project has raised interest in 1930s architecture in Belfast and it has also enabled students to get their work published and raised their confidence in writing and researching.