Foyle Bubbles: How can design reduce suicide attempts using everyday social and civic spaces?

The River Foyle and its environments, banks and bridges in Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland have become associated with poor mental health and emotional wellbeing. ‘Our Future Foyle’ is a collaborative research initiative looking at how health and wellbeing can be designed into the riverfront in the city as a means of suicide prevention. This paper discusses one aspect and output of the research and design process: ‘Foyle Bubbles’ In order to carry out research and engage with the community as a whole the team have been carrying out a series of architectural interventions during city scale events. Using various co-design methods, the project has sought people from across the community, in an area which is known for its past conflict. The research showed the need for shared space along the riverfront. People within the community felt that 'one side of the river gets more than the other side'. This pointed to the need for movable spaces that could respond to the needs of different areas of the waterfront without having to be located in one area. Such spaces could be occupied by a variety of organisations and individuals to create a network and reinforce that community congestion. ‘Foyle Bubbles’ are a series of satellite spaces designed to house arts, commercial, educational and well-being activities around the riverfront; these will act as suicide deterrents and increase footfall and so achieve natural surveillance of the site. These portable pods offer the opportunity for enterprise and community engagement through social and civic functions. This pilot and subsequent measurable data provide the necessary evidence for larger procurement and roll out across the local community and service users with the hope of creating a connected, engaged and positive community on the river with the needs of people in crisis at its heart