Last Monday our group visited the V&A to investigate the rapid response collection and all the different objects that have been collected in recent years. Most objects have deep socio-political connotations, so it was hard choosing one and focusing our research. We were particularly interested in the objects that we saw physically, as we could also analyse how these had been displayed in an exhibition context.
Architectural Spikes in particular, made us thing about the way design shapes or constrains people’s interaction with their surroundings and with each other, the moral responsibilities behind design for people, and the responsibility of designers in shaping perception and daily life. Although homeless people seem to be the most affected by this type hostile architecture and have grab the most attention around the issue, this type of design exists in a wider context and addresses broader social issues.
Architectural Spikes
Gallery label for the record:
- Spike studs Kent Stainless Ltd. 2014 These cast stainless steel spikes are intended to discourage people from sitting or sleeping in various spaces in the city. The spikes sit 4.5 cm above ground with a 2.8 cm cylinder below. Protests in 2014 brought them to wider public attention. One set of ‘anti-homeless spikes’ were even subject to direct action, when protesters tried to submerge a set of spikes in cement on Regent Street in June last year. Ireland Steel Museum nos. CD.50:1 to 20-2014(2014)
Museum, V.and A. (no date) Architectural spikes: V&A explore the collections, Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the Collections. Available at: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1296001/architectural-spikes-kent-stainless-ltd/ (Accessed: February 13, 2023).
As a group, we decided to focus on using the first week to do an open ended visual exploration of the subject and to collect many visual outputs, building on the tools we have learned from the previous briefs. Below are my personal experiments that evolved from our initial positions.
Regarding curation – I think it’s interesting that the curators at the V&A decided to exhibit the spikes next to the tactile paving slabs, also known as braille blocks. It could be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, as an attempt to provide a clear contrast between 2 seemingly related objects that either deter or protect vulnerable people. Second, as a way to put these on the same ground looking to explore people interact with the city spaces through these constructed surfaces. I would lean to think their position revolves around the first statement, as the language they use in the gallery label indicates the aim to show the contrast.
I’m also curious about the clear perspex in which the spikes are mounted, and I wonder if this clean, almost soulless material is a reflection of the pragmatic attitude used sometimes by designers, clients and manufacturers when addressing complex and sensitive subjects.
Exploration #1 – I started exploring the visual qualities of the object by creating a floating 3D model, using Blender, analysing the intrinsic material and geometrical qualities of the spikes outside of all judgements or moral context. I think this exercise helped me to remove my own opinions about the subject and place myself in the shoes of the industrial designers who fabricated the spikes in first instance. They actually put a lot of thought and care designing these polished outcomes which are quite unique in the fact they are blunt and are not meant to hurt people physically.
Exploration #2 – Further experiments using the 3D models in conjunction with contextual backgrounds. Looking to explore the juxtaposing elements and feelings that these can evoke in relationship to their context.
Exploration #3 – Using different only sources to catalogue the prevalence and incidence of this type of objects currently available to the public. This was quite a convictive process, as I started to realise how real and accessible this sort of elements could be and how these can easily can be repurposed for excluding people for certain locations. Although the general attitude of the public is against this sort of spacial control, there’s still an incidence that seems to be transitory around larger cities and affluent locations.
Defensive/Hostile Architecture
Exploration #4 – At this point I started exploring Google Earth as a tool for recording hostile architecture features around London, thinking about the different ways in which spaces are made less welcoming for some, and how these features could actually shape the way people behave in public spaces. Using a search engine as a way of collecting was really interesting, as it allowed me to look at these spaces from a different perspective that you don’t necessarily get on site.
All these experiments were happening in conjunction with contextual research about hostile architecture, the issue of homelessness in London, and the role of design in shaping behaviour. At this point, I found out that Westminster is actually one the borough with the largest number of rough sleepers, which led me to investigate this particular area and expand the initial experiment into walking around Westminster “putting myself in the shoes” of someone looking for shelter. The experiment was quite shocking, as I soon found that hostile architecture goes beyond spike and benches, the way the city is designed and the amount of CCTV cameras, made finding a place almost impossible.
People sleeping rough in London boroughs stats – https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/data/rough-sleeping-borough/
Experiment #5 – AI and the nature of design
As an alternative way to research and understand the subject, I engaged in a conversation with ChatGPT, asking difficult questions around the morality of these issues, potential solutions, and the role of graphic design in promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.
The highlight of this experiment was the connection to Biophillic design, and the renewed focus on building communities as the central themes around the issue. It was important because it remove the argument beyond the morality of the spikes, and it brought the conversation to a more proactive level. The questions were shaped by the responses and prompted by my eagerness to find meaning in the way we engage with these sort of issues as designers. The full transcript is available below.
Homelessness-hostile-architecture-in-public-spaces-A-chat-between-Evy-Prentice-and-ChatGTP-AI
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Experiment #6 – Imagine the future
Prompted by the conversation with ChatGPT, I decided to work on a final iteration, looking to translate some of the literal ideas from this AI into another AI. I used Midjourney to do a quick exploration of some of the concepts and ideas proposed by ChatGPT. As an emerging technology, I’m aware of the distrust designers can have towards these tools, but I think they are interesting for ideating, bearing in mind they provide a singular perspective rather than a holistic understanding of concepts and ideas.
To me, these renders provided an interesting insight of the intersection between community, urban design, transitional places, and biophillia.