Location (1): Lillis Business Complex – Located on Kincaid St / Side of Lillis Business Complex
Lillis Business Complex: facility that serves as a hub for business education, innovation, and collaboration
Hostile architecture can be seen throughout our entire world. Especially, in our present day with the help of our new advancements that are meant to decrease vandalism, loitering, etc. in public spaces. In the city of Eugene I have observed that there are various forms of hostile architecture/design that have been embedded around campus. The examples that I discovered target two different groups that are within our community.
I uncovered an example of hostile architecture connected to the renowned academic facilities of the University, namely the Lillis Business Complex. Despite significant promotion and visibility of these locations, the presence of subtle hostile designs often goes unnoticed.
The initial type of hostile architecture I encountered was observed in the bus benches situated alongside the Lillis Business complex. These benches were deliberately divided by metal bars, creating an obstacle for individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness, to lie down and rest. Consequently, this design approach creates an unwelcoming atmosphere on campus, effectively excluding this specific group from utilizing the facilities. Although these benches serve the purpose of enhancing the area’s cleanliness and preventing the growth of homelessness in the vicinity, their aesthetic appeal and material quality contribute to their purpose of deterring prolonged occupancy. Moreover, the curvature of the bench design aims to provide a visually pleasing and polished appearance. The furniture itself is divided into three sections, with varying levels and angles, intended to address accessibility and ergonomic concerns for typical users. However, beneath the surface, there exists a subtle undertone of hostile architecture within the bench design. While individuals experiencing homelessness can still find a seat to rest, the intentional division of the bench discourages extended periods of loitering, such as sleeping. Overall, despite the seemingly well-intentioned purpose of these architectural elements within the surrounding context and community, the presence of subtle hostile design elements is evident. These benches, primarily intended for waiting for the bus, compromise comfort and effectively deter individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, from engaging in long-term use.
Bus Benches Near Lillis Business Complex
I agree that the bench design gives off a flashy modern ergonomic aesthetic that fits in with the Lillis Building while also being hostile to unhoused sleepers. One thing to add to its subtle hostility is the use of duck colors. Being on campus and using the school colors (even if unintentional) acts as a visual support for the hostile practices. It dulls the edge a bit more for the privileged public who are not unhoused.
I have noticed a lot of hostile designs with benches located at bus stops. The ridges separating the seats do seem like it was added with the intent of prohibiting people to lay down on the seats. When I was examining the design, I noticed that the overhang-like design makes it possible for someone to sleep under the bench, however, I quickly realized how uncomfortable one would be during the winter, as all the structures are minimal and open, leaving no opportunities for heat insulation.
The whole purpose of the dividers is to prevent people from sleeping and resting in the bench. I noticed that dividers are used only in benches that are under a covered area. The materials and how it is perforated it can also be uncomfortable.
This looks like a modernized version of the armrest except less useful! These particular dividers look like they stylistically divide the seat to ensure everyone sitting has ample room. However, as we learned their main purpose is to prevent the unhoused from laying down on the bench. Additionally, this location was probably chosen since it is a bux stop that is sheltered from the elements!
I can definitely see how bench dividers are deliberately aggressive and non-inclusive to all people that may live in a given community. This is a perfect example of implicit hostile architecture.
Eugene has such a wide amount of explicitly hostile designs that it is easy to overlook the hostile designs that are subtle. Putting bars across the tops of benches is one of the most common examples of subtle hostile design in Eugene. I like that you draw attention to the materiality of the benches. These benches, like most public ones, are metal. Metal gets cold and stays cold, making it undesirable for someone to loiter for an extended period of time.
This design implements vibrant colors and a minimalist approach to creating a subtle deterrent to homelessness. I agree that this addition is unwelcoming and creates a noticeable divide between the surrounding city and University of Oregon grounds. I agree that the design was well intentioned in order to make a safer environment for students. However, I believe that the subtle metal bumps create a false hope in the homeless population due to the possibility of adapting to the conditions in order to achieve even a small sense of comfortability.
So interesting, thanks for bringing this up! It’s so subtle and at first you would think it’s for personal space but so many hidden reasons. Also interesting what others have mentioned about the color, it’s very bright and obvious that it’s hidden in plain sight.
This bench is a little different. Instead of using overly aggressive armrests, this bench uses multiple metal bars to differentiate each position and creates an unwelcoming atmosphere for unhoused people, which can make people sleeping on it feel uncomfortable.
I agree that this is a hostile design. The short length of the benches along with the armrests are not raised enough to be used as such. Instead they limit people from laying across the bench. I also thought it was interesting that others mentioned the color of the bench being an unhoused deterrent.
This bench is a perfect example of hostile design. They are placed in an area that the city thought would be popular with unhoused people and created benches that would be difficult to use in any other way then intended.