Summary
In this article John Petty explored the idea of “hostile architecture,” and its continuous implementation specifically in London. Hostile Architecture is described as architecture and design that is installed in urban settings that is aimed to directly influence and control the activities of the public, and more intentionally the houseless population. It mentions how the metal spikes that are installed for “security” reasons on any exterior flat surface, make the outdoor space feel unwelcoming and uncomfortable, especially for the houseless population. There is an interesting dynamic between the public and the state, enforcing safety components against a marginalized group who are more often than not less safe than anyone else. Petty believes there is another solution to control the public and their activities in a less scary way. He explains that there has been activism against the spikes, with arguments that it is a breach of human rights to feel comfortable in the public realm regardless of your housing status. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the issue of social inequality and encouraging designers and city planners not to resort to “hostile architecture.”
A Seemingly Safe Public Oasis
The interior of any site, should, and most likely won’t have any “hostile architecture” designs. I chose the exterior of the Hult Center to analyze for this subject. Through my observation, the public realm of the outside of this building was very welcoming and comfortable. To my surprise, I didn’t see anyone using the public space, no houseless people, or civilians of any kind. It seemed to offer a quiet and private place, even though it is on the intersection of two very busy streets. It also is in close proximity to downtown and the bus station, where a lot of the houseless population resides. At this site there are a lot of covered spaces, a variety of heights, and even a secluded courtyard near the north of the building. There are no spikes and when I walked by there was no security or overwhelming surveillance that I noticed. I bet it is different when there is an event going on. Overall I feel like this center doesn’t threaten the human rights of the houseless population, and would allow anyone to feel welcome and comfortable in their public outdoor spaces it provides.
The Hult Center should be a point of interaction among Eugene’s community during the day and night. But it is sad that there is not people at all. Even though the landscape is large and spacious it does not feel welcoming or inviting because of the lack of urban landscape planning for people to sit and dwell in the space. There is not an obvious design of hostile architecture but the lack of it makes the space not inviting and people avoid the place.