Architecture as Remedy - Healing Divided Societies Part 2 Dissertation 2026 Alexandru Mosoarca University of Nottingham Nottingham | UK In an era marked by escalating global conflicts and deep social fragmentation, this dissertation introduces the concept of "architecture as remedy," positioning the built environment as a central agent in post-conflict renewal and psychological recovery. Moving beyond standard political or diplomatic frameworks, the project investigates how spatial design can actively heal fractured communities and mediate collective trauma. The study aims to evaluate the capacity of memorial architecture to foster social trust, preserve difficult histories, and rebuild a shared civic identity. Using post-reunification Berlin as a primary lens, the research analyses the spatial and social wounds left by decades of Cold War division. It features a detailed case study of the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse to examine how its unique landscape — composed of a mosaic of preserved fragments, intentional voids, simulated traces, and orchestrated pathways — facilitates active dialogue and emotional recovery. The primary outcome of this dissertation is a comprehensive demonstration of how architecture can successfully transform a landscape of trauma into a sanctuary of healing. The study proves that thoughtful spatial choreography shifts visitors from passive observers into active, shared witnesses, allowing for personal interpretation and collective reconciliation. Ultimately, the project underscores the originality and significance of architectural interventions in guiding divided societies away from trauma and toward sustainable, shared renewal. Tutor(s) Katharina Borsi Jordan Kauffman