Peace Building

This dissertation project proposes a network of peace-building centres in Goma and Bukavu at the intersection of forensic architecture and decolonial theory. Drawing on Frantz Fanon's framework of colonial psychological violence, the research argues that contemporary violence in eastern DRC is a continuation of colonial-era disruption rather than a departure from it.

The complex sits on the volcanic cone of Mount Goma, above the city and overlooking Lake Kivu. Entry is on foot — a track ascending from Avenue Katana, the climb itself part of the experience, separating the visitor from the city before they arrive. Movement follows the natural terracing of the cone, descending from the upper campus through exhibition centre, peace dialogue building, and counselling centre toward the central circular courtyard at the heart of the complex. The music arena occupies the base of the site, opening fully toward Lake Kivu.

The intervention moves beyond conventional memorial design. By combining exhibition space, music and cultural programming, counselling facilities, and data collection infrastructure, it creates what the research terms living memory architecture — spaces that simultaneously acknowledge historical trauma and actively build cross-border unity between communities separated by conflict.