For our STEAM project, we have chosen to focus on Hostile Architecture, which we will present in a slideshow. Our goal is to explore what Hostile Architecture means, trace its historical background, and examine the factors that drive its use in modern cities. We want to highlight how this form of design reflects deeper social and governmental attitudes toward homelessness and public space. Because homelessness is a major issue in our city, this topic allows us to connect design choices to their human consequences. Our slides will also address the irony of these structures being placed in spaces meant to be public and inclusive, supported by examples from train stations, bus stops, building entrances, and parks. We will conclude with a call to action that links our research to the theme of protest through art and public awareness. We aim to spread awareness of this issue and encourage the audience to take action to make public spaces more accessible to the public and homeless populations.
Completing this project allowed us to research the underlying social and political factors contributing to the rise of hostile architecture within New York City. The role of art has more than one purpose; we have come to understand that while art may be liberating to some, it can also serve a hostile message. Homelessness has become a major issue within multiple communities throughout our city, and hostile architecture perpetuates a negative stigma that doesn't help suffering groups. By our slides spreading information about the dangers of continuing these ineffective policies that allow hostile architecture to spread.
