Peter McMenamin

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Doctoral Researcher

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 3282
Email: pxm426@bham.ac.uk

Address: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Title of PhD: Rethinking, space, landscapes and aesthetics in conditions of contestation: The changing nature of cultural iconography in Derry, 1970-2013

Supervisors: Dr Dominique Moran and Dr Sara Fregonese

Pete is undertaking AHRC funded doctoral research into the changing cultural landscapes of Northern Irish cities. Situated within broader discourses of how physical landscapes can mirror and mediate conflict, he is interested in the physical legacy of the ‘Northern Irish Troubles’ and its ongoing impact upon attempts at reconciliation. Using the city of Derry/Londonderry as his case study, Pete is investigating the various methods of altering the physical landscape in order to challenge divisive sectarian mindsets. His research is given greater salience following the city’s recent award as the inaugural ‘UK City of Culture’ for the year 2013. He is using qualitative methods including in-depth interview, focus group and observational research with a range of stakeholders in the changes occurring within Derry/Londonderry.

Qualifications

(MSCi) First class hons in Geography, School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham

Biography

Pete completed his MSCi in Geography in 2011 and was awarded first class honors. His academic research interests in Northern Ireland, cultural landscapes and contexts of contested cities, stem from his Masters dissertation into the continued presence of political mural paintings and their role in the social reproduction of sectarianism. He will be completing his PhD at the University of Birmingham in early 2015.

Research

Research interests

Cultural Landscapes, Contested Cities, Memory, Cultural Regeneration, Visual Culture, Northern Ireland

Other activities

Pete teaches on 1st and 2nd year undergraduate courses, including modules on ‘Economy, Space and Policy’ and field courses to Berlin.

He was recently a member of the organizing committee for the RGS Mid-term conference 2013 held at the University of Birmingham. Entitled ‘Geographic Transitions’, Pete presented the opening address at the conference welcoming over 100 delegates to the largest ever RGS Mid-term.