This research analyzes the architectural peacekeeping missions of the United Nations: the construction over time of the complex spatial configurations; new infrastructural networks; housing compounds, hospitals, and civic facilities; and the reorganization of public spaces connected to the large logistic operations of the UN, across the globe. The growing number of peacekeeping operations in the twenty-first century are markers of the complex and turbulent transitions connected to vast and rapid urbanization processes at the age of globalization. A detailed architectural and spatial analysis of their deployment contributes to the understanding of the relation between the designed and built environment and the wellbeing of contemporary societies.

John Palmesino is an architect and urbanist, born in Switzerland. He cofounded Territorial Agency, a practice that deals with integrated spatial transformation. He teaches at the Research Architecture Centre, Goldsmiths, University of London where he is also a doctoral researcher on the implications of neutrality in spatial practices connected to humanitarian interventions. He has carried out a range of territorial projects, research, analyses, and interventions in international contexts. Palmesino served as head of research at ETH Studio Basel's Contemporary City Institute from 2003-2007. He cofounded multiplicity, an international research network involved in contemporary architecture, urbanism, arts, and general culture. Main works include MUTATIONS, USE uncertain States of Europe, and Solid Sea. multiplicity's works have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, TN Probe Tokyo, KW Berlin, Triennale di Milano, and at documenta 11.