Overview:
Hostile architecture is commonly found throughout the cityscape of Eugene. With a large unhoused population, the city, and many private business owners are anxious to remove any traces of homeless people from their sites. Since constant surveillance is costly and prone to error, examples of hostile architecture has been implemented to act as a deterrent to the majority of the unhoused population. Though some examples are more prevalent than others, such as spikes placed under cover, many instances go unnoticed as they shield themselves behind aesthetic or functional use.
Design 1:
This image shows surrounding context of the hostile architecture bench.
This image clearly shows the bench with an arm rest dividing the space preventing the unhoused people from sleeping under shelter.
This image shows the plan view of the bench and how the armrest is located in the middle on the right of the bench. There is no way around the armrest for a sleeping person.
This image shows the section view of the bench clearly indicating the armrest that divides the space.
Description:
The benches at the EMX Dad’s Gate station are good examples of hidden hostile design. In the middle of the benches are tall arm rests that are seldom used by the average bus rider. Instead the main purpose is to divide the bench up preventing homeless people from laying down to sleep at night under the shelter of the bus stop. The goal is meant to prevent loitering and gathering around the bus stop by unhoused people creating a “safer” and more welcoming environment for the remaining population. This architecture divides the population and clearly shows who is valued in this space.
I agree that this bench is designed to discourage people from laying down on the seat- however, I feel that the armrests are actually not the main element in doing so. I feel that the armrests act as a separation for people to not take up a single seat all to themselves, clarifying that the design is meant for two people. I feel that the seats are shaped to be uncomfortable so that people will not use them for long periods of time by having spaced-out metal bars and having a slight wave to the seat as well.
Some benches may have perforated or uneven surfaces, making it difficult to find a comfortable sitting or sleeping position. These surfaces discourage extended use of the bench.
I agree with Danbie, the arm rest does not only prevent people from laying down on it, it also prevents individuals from using the whole bench when other people would also want to have access to it. The surfaces’ bumpiness also provide some level of discomfort, which limit the time one can occupied the bench before feeling uncomfortable. It is definitely a hidden hostile design because my initial thought of this is merely for rain drainage, fast drying for the rainy days.
I agree about the reasons for adding the arm rest. I think the uneven surface and perforated metal adds to the purpose and is meant for short term use. The benches are also low to the ground and don’t allow for access underneath.
Many unhoused people tend to gather in the station space, and this kind of bench that cannot lie flat prevents them from making this place their own habitat, so as not to affect its use as a public facility, so as to achieve the effect of driving away the unhoused group.