by danbiek | Jun 16, 2023
Eugene Oregon holds one of the largest homeless populations within all the cities across the state of Oregon. Throughout Eugene, some designs welcome the homeless, however, some spaces actively designs ‘out’ the unhoused as well. Whether the barriers are built intentionally or not, it holds an impact on the homeless population, as one can see by observing the environment around Tailored Coffee Roasters.
Tailored Coffee Roasters is a coffee shop that is located on 13th Avenue by the campus of the University of Oregon. Many students go to this location to finish their school work in a cafe environment. According to the blog post Tailored Coffee Roaster’s Connection to Modernity and Comfort written by ‘kperrone’, the cafe has a welcoming and warm atmosphere with the help of its open and transparent design. The space was not created with the intention of being exclusive. However, intentionally or not, the space has multiple barriers to those who are not consumers. It is worth noting that many of the blog posts describing Tailored are designing the environment from the inside, but to truly determine whether a space is open to the unhoused, one would need to make observations from the other side. One element noticed was their windows, ironically, as many noted them to be a reason for their welcoming atmosphere. On the inside, one can look out and monitor everything happening around them, however, the glazing located around the majority of the customer’s seating area is tinted. This was probably implemented to create a private space, but this is a built barrier to those on the outside. More implicit hostile design can also be found around the entrance, as the planted bushes around the entrance create a natural barricade and act as a filler for the open space. Those who are not picking apart the logistics of the design may not think twice about the plants, as it integrates nature and the cafe decorated with house plants. Yet, from the perspective of the unhoused looking for places to rest, the building does the most it can to block those who are not visiting the shop. As ‘ayakov’ and ‘kperrone’ have mentioned in their posts, the outside area is only inviting to the following customers.
The Perspective of the Interior of Tailored Coffee Roasters.
Exterior Facade
Large glass facade of Tailored.
Plants surround the entrance of Tailored.
Although Tailored Coffee Roaster is not actively trying to deter its use by the unhoused, unfortunately, it can not be said the same for the surrounding campus area of the University of Oregon. This can be seen in the seats of multiple bus stations and the design choices used by many locations. One example of this is the benches located at the EMX Dad’s Gate Station. It can be said that the seat designs are directly tailored to inhibit the use of other activities that are not sitting, as there are a lot of homeless people that use the bus services. Their methods are to design the seats with separated, waved, and rounded bars that make it uncomfortable for those to stay around for long periods of time. There are also dividing armrests found at the center so those who wanted to use the benches as resting areas are unable to lay down on them. This method is common, as you can see the strategy repeats itself around other bus stations as well by the Lillis Business Complex. This one is a long bench that is divided up into three seats with armrest rails. Another example of hostile design can be found near 13th Avenue, the US Bank, which designs out those who are not wanted, including the homeless population. With its use of a bordering retaining wall outside the bank, it makes it so that there are no loiterers around. The metal railing around the wall makes it clear that they want unsolicited people in the area, ultimately affecting the unhoused population.
One can see that designs all over the Eugene area affect the homeless, whether it was intentional throughout or not. With Tailored Coffee Roasters near campus, the designs just so happened to affect the unhoused from the result of designing for privacy. Yet, it can be seen that the other designs around the area are much more directed toward weeding out a specific user group.
This image shows the surrounding context of the hostile architecture bench.
Close-up of the Benches of the EMX Station.
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.
Benches with dividers to prevent sleeping.
Hostile bench at Lane Transit District
Bus Benches Near Lillis Business Complex Detail.
Railings blocking sitting on a wall in front of U.S. Bank Branch.
Diagram of the Hostile design around US Bank.
Bibliography:
Perrone, K. (2023, May 9). Tailored Coffee Roaster’s connection to Modernity and Comfort. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/05/09/tailored-coffee-roasters-connection-to-modernity-and-comfort/
Yakov, A. (2023, April 18). Individuality Among The Public Sphere – Tailored Coffee Roasters. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/04/18/individuality-among-the-public-sphere-tailored-coffee-roasters/
Krois, W. (2023, May 10). Humans and their Constant Desire for Personalization. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/05/10/humans-and-their-constant-desire-for-personalization/
Aslan, C. (2023, May 30). Hostile Architecture, The EMX Dad’s Gate Station. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/05/30/hostile-architecture-the-emx-dads-gate-station-and-concrete-benches-outside-the-emu/
Baker, S. (2023, May 31). Hostile Design at the University of Oregon: Examining Lillis Business Complex. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/05/31/hostile-design-at-the-university-of-oregon-examining-lillis-business-complex/
Smith, L. (2023, May 30). Don’t Choose Here: Hostile Architecture in Eugene. Retrieved from https://blogs.uoregon.edu/h3s23/2023/05/30/dont-choose-here-hostile-architecture-in-eugene/
by phoebew | Jun 16, 2023
Concealed within a false facade of sustainability and community appeal, Whole Foods Public Market in Eugene, Oregon, cunningly masks its utilization of hostile design tactics, effectively deterring the homeless population while projecting an image of inclusivity.Whole Foods Public Market is anything but innocent, its design and chosen locations have recently been controversial. The company has been blamed for contributing to the gentrification of historic black communities such as Alberta, Oregon. and used as a tool to promote certain types of behavior within a community. The tactics that are used within the establishment are similar to the methods implemented into surrounding fixtures within Eugene but carry a stronger sense of sophistication in terms of strategy. Whole Foods public market, despite its inviting appearance, contributes to the marginalization of the homeless population through the implementation of hostile design elements.
Hostile design can host many different appearances; some can be more obvious and some are meant to blend into a surrounding environment, whilst having a secret intention that is unknown to the general public.The Whole Foods public market encompasses this by utilizing tactics that appeal to and draw in their desired market and repel those who are apart of the homeless community. The addition of large storefront windows may allude to a heightened sense of transparency but similarly to “rwymans response, the transparency is most likely intended to contribute to the use of surveillance within the facility. Rwyman informed readers about the ways in which the strict surveillance strategy can lead to decreasing the sense of comfortability in some of the visitors.Rwyman’s point is strong and also leads to the argument that can be made about discriminatory statutes established that deter those who carry a certain appearance. As stated by lechengw, This notion is evident when observing the general dining area that is located at the entrance of the store. I agree with her discussion and believe that orienting the main dining area in the front of the market communicates a space of comfort and carries an invitational element that would normally be used by exhausted individuals if located in a different setting. Homeless people are resistant to approaching this area due to the stigma that the company carries as well as the customer base that it pursues. Jzhou9 comments about the integration of luxury, technology, and design that contributes to the premise of hostile design. Although this can be intended for other reasons, the modernization of a market seems to be intended to appeal to a certain social class. The organization and composition of products such as the produce section also contributes to this subtle utilization of hostile design. Student Ssoto2 believes that the Whole Foods Market is “A very simple concept and modern design, yet it attracts consumers who are willing to pay more for produce simply because the design is more appealing”.
Whole Foods Public Market encompasses the same methodology used by the city of Eugene in regards to designing the fixtures that are placed around the community. There are various designs that aim to promote a more modern, minimalistic, and aesthetic approach to combating homelessness to try to be inconsequential to its reputation. The subtle nature of hostile design as seen in sbaker8’s analysis of the benches near the lillis complex can in turn, appear as being cruel. The small metal bump separating the span of the bench in components gives off a false hope of the possibility to adapt and create a comfortable environment considering the restrictions in place. There are certain buildings within the city of Eugene that promote a false narrative to inclusivity while doing the opposite. Rilynzz example of the First Christian Church communicates the divide between certain social classes. The sign visible in the block post states “All are welcome” while having chains preventing access to the front of the entrance. There are also examples of fixtures that were installed and planned by the city that distracted people with a positive intention while still preventing the gathering of unwanted individuals. Objects that are as innocent and positively intentioned as a bike rack, can be composed in a way to achieve a different goal. Jesper Braun captured an exact image of this occurrence as well as showing the angle that these bike racks were arranged in The composition of these elements were placed and oriented in order to prevent the homeless population from creating shelter.
A Market combines Luxury and Technology | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
This image shows the natural lighting and strategic organization of profucts
Under Surveillance | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
The image above demonstrates the use of natural and sustainable materials to portray a more modern approach to a public market
Whole Foods Modern Design | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Orientation of produce to appear as if it is the highest quality, lighting contributes to this
The furniture in this picture is similar to the 5th street public market furniture, flimsy, portable, and uncomfortable.
Bike racks oriented to prevent gathering.
Railing used to prevent the presence of tents/shelters
Flimsy and uncomfortable chairs located in the 5th st. Public Market
The shaded device is purely aesthetic in order to deter homelessness
Rocks are shown that restrict the opportunity to create shelter
The benches above are designed to be uncomfortable and to be Seated in for a short period of time.
A middle arm rest is typical in hostile design. The gap underneath still allows a possibility to create shelter.
Middle arm rest being used in public transit.
The First Christian Church creates a fine line in Public vs. Private
By having an “All Are Welcome” sign with a gated entrance behind it.
The bench shown above has a raised bump
To prevent long term resting.
Bibliography
- Ryman, Under Surveillance | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
- Lechengw, See and Be Seen, the transparency of the architecture. | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
- Jzhou9, A Market combines Luxury and Technology | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
- Ssoto2, Whole Foods Modern Design | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
10 Examples of Hostile Design:
Hostile Design at the University of Oregon: Examining Lillis Business Complex | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
First Christian Church | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Hostile Design At the Train Station | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Hostile Design Furniture Targeting the Unhoused | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Hostile Design in Downtown Eugene | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Hostile Design in Downtown Eugene | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Designing Out in Eugene | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
The Hidden Hostile Designs of 5th Street | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Boulder Blockades | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
Hostile Architecture, The EMX Dad’s Gate Station | History of Interior Architecture (uoregon.edu)
by phoebew | Jun 15, 2023
Local Whole Foods Hostile Design: The bike docking areas located outside the Eugene Whole Foods prevent people from overhead shelter, as well as not being able to lay against the wall. Thus forcing people to lay in the main walk away which is not the best option for people experiencing homeless-ness. This area could be used for shelter for people experiencing homelessness but instead the whole foods designer desired to protect objects instead of humans. This design of placing the bike racks where the shelter is located does not allow for people to use in anyway, because of the bike racks blocking anywhere to lay down. it is also visible within the image that there are more bike racks than needed. People may not notice right way but by filling the open area with bike rikes and placing them against the wall prevents people from being able to lay down and feel safe.
Emu Exterior: The social seating areas located out the EMU on 13th street, included metal rods which we learned in class prevent people from laying down and being able to use this place as a location to rest. Which is seen as hostile design. People are unable to lay down on the concrete side land scaping due to the size and the steal barriers. As we learned in the course the barriers prevent people from being able to lay down and use for resting. Although these forms of hostile design are desecrate enough to where the general public does not recognize them.
by wkrois | Jun 1, 2023
The train station in Eugene, is a popular spot. There are always travelers or a population that is hoping to travel outside of it. And because it is a place where a lot of people pass by there is an image that the city of Eugene im sure wants to keep up to standard. As you pass the station in the train or stop and get off in Eugene, you don’t want to see the homeless sleeping on the benches. The city’s solution to that was to place benches with an arm rest that is in the middle of the bench, that way no one can lie down on it, and be a part of the image that they want to avoid.
here is a diagram of how the addition of that third arm rest really influences the possibility of its use.
by wkrois | Jun 1, 2023
Outside of Lawrence Hall, there is a feature, that I never noticed. Little tiny silver stones on top of the cement flowerbeds. Although this looks like a decorative addition, skaters are most likely missing a feature for them to play on. This location is where students going to class in Allen, Lawrence and Columbia congregate. There are multiple ways of transportation that students take to get to class; walking, biking and skateboarding. The University must have decided that providing a playground for skateboarders in the popular and educational location would not be suitable, therefor they placed little stones on the features that they could slide and do tricks off of.
here is a diagram of how the feature could potentially be used by the skaters, and an activity that was in mind to extinguish from campus.
by sbaker8 | May 31, 2023
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