boulder is in front of a multi-unit apartment building in the right-of-way space between the sidewalk and the road
The first image is of a large boulder I came across while walking between campus and 20th Ave in Eugene. The boulder is in the right-of-way space between the sidewalk and the road in front of a multi-unit apartment building. This area, I assume, is public property and is frequently occupied by the unhoused population because it is usually easily accessible, open, and close to commonly used resources by the unhoused population, such as food pantries. Tents are frequently used by unhoused people as their primary form of protection from the elements. The placement of this large boulder exposes them to harsh weather conditions by preventing them to set up tents, increasing the risk of weather-related sickness. Furthermore, the lack of a safe and private environment could increase stress and anxiety, contributing to mental health issues in those that are already the most vulnerable
diagram showing a boulder in relationship to a road, sidewalk, and yard in plan
I am interested in knowing the actual reason for the boulder to be located where it is at. I say this because I can see open spaces around the rock you have taken a photo of, so I feel that if someone who is homeless wants to use this sidewalk as a place to pitch their tents, they can because of how sparse each the boulders are placed.
The spacing of the boulders makes it seem like this may be to elevate the appearance of the property itself. I think that if this was a hostile design choice the designer would fill the empty space with railing, plants, or planters in order close the gap.
I thought this was very interesting because the boulders do not have any function other than taking up space that the unhoused could use. The boulders are also not visually appealing so the reasoning for heir placement would be to serve as a blockade for the unhoused.
This is an interesting example as it serves as a subtle form of hostile design. It can easily be passed by without people noticing it. These boulders can even be interpreted as a landscaped design instead of hostile architecture. The breaking up of this softer space is focusing on those people who would use the ground to sleep and discourages them from setting up a camp there.