Method of Contextualising: 
Written Response

Design Statement

The architectural spikes in the V&A were initially designed to protect properties from harm. However, their frequent use as barriers for people highlights the issue of hostile design and its negative effects, especially on the homeless. Our research looked deeper into this persistent problem and found that it is a global issue rooted in the careless application of design rather than being specific to one nation or culture.

We understand that graphic design cannot resolve this systematic issue on its own. Nevertheless, the notion of exclusivity that hostile design encourages should be combated through visual communication. Our work represents our shared belief that hostile design negatively affects everyone in the community, not just the individuals who are directly impacted.

We also looked at the living situations of the homeless and the many groups supporting them to comprehend the problem better. Thanks to this investigation, we could comprehend their needs for safety, cleanliness, food storage, and respect. We are aware that more than one design strategy is needed to solve this issue. A learning process and community trust-building are necessary to motivate people to take action.

Annotated Bibliography

Colomina, B., & Wigley, M. (2016). Are We Human? Notes on an Archeology of Design. Zurich: Lars Muller Publishers, pp. 89-101.

In the chapter “Good Design is an Anesthetic,” the author argues that a well-designed object should do more good for more people. This idea of inclusivity and social reform is critical to understanding what constitutes good design. Unfortunately, this principle is often ignored, as demonstrated by the prevalence of hostile design, such as architectural spikes shown in the V&A, which promote exclusivity and exacerbate social distrust.

A truly human-centered design should seek to eliminate social friction and ensure that all members of society benefit. This requires designers to abandon their privileged mindsets and consider multiple perspectives in the design process. The use of hostile design may be intended to solve a problem, but ultimately it creates new ones. Therefore, we as designers must constantly examine their designs and reflect on any negative impacts they may have on society. By doing so, designers can work to eliminate these negative impacts and create designs that truly benefit all members of society.

Bolt, B. (2015). Beneficence and Contemporary Art: When Aesthetic Judgment Meets Ethical Judgment. Visual Methodologies, 3(2), pp. 53-66.

Bolt argues that contemporary art has the potential to promote ethical values and practices, and that ethical considerations should be taken into account when making aesthetic judgments. I believe that this idea can also be applied to practical designs that we encounter in our daily lives.

The notion of ethical design enhanced my critical view towards architectural spikes. I believe that designers have a responsibility to consider the impact of their work on society. Hostile design, such as architectural spikes, may not necessarily be designed with the intention of being hostile. Instead, they may be created to protect public or private properties from misuse or abuse. Such designs are flawed because they fail to solve the problem and, instead, create more problems that can tear communities apart. It is crucial to create designs that benefit individuals and communities.

The article also highlights the use of artistic shock to raise awareness of social issues. In this sense, I believe that architectural spikes in a museum setting can serve as a reminder to the public of the homeless issue in our society. The spikes, along with their captions, create discomfort in the audience and allow them to picture themselves in the situation of homeless individuals. They embody the living conditions of homeless individuals, who suffer from numerous insecurities even without such hostile designs. Therefore, when placed in a proper setting, these spikes can serve as an educational tool for people to take notice of these issues.

Norman, D. A. (2003). Emotional design. New York: Basic Books.

The concept of emotional design has challenged me, as a designer, to go beyond functional and aesthetic considerations and also consider the emotional impact of my creations on users and the broader community.

By incorporating emotional design principles into public spaces and structures, designers can create inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces that avoid the pitfalls of hostile designs. We can consider how our creations will impact different user groups and strive to create structures that foster positive emotions, such as joy, calmness, or inspiration.

Prioritizing emotional design can have a profound impact on the way individuals interact with their surroundings, contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and equitable society, and foster positive emotional experiences. In conclusion, the notion of emotional design provides a framework for designers to create structures that serve a functional purpose and also elicit positive emotions while avoiding the negative impacts of hostile designs.

Teo, M. (2018). Unpleasant Design: The Rise of the Silently Hostile City. Azure Magazine, Retrieved from https://www.azuremagazine.com/article/unpleasant-design-hostile-architecture/

Unpleasant Design provides a valuable insight into the concept of hostile design and its implementation in public spaces. Apart from architectural spikes, other designs such as benches in unusual shapes and artistic installations are also used to prevent certain uses of urban space and discourage certain social groups.

The author also prompts a consideration of the designer’s intentions. In some cases, designers know that their designs are meant to be hostile, so they disguise them as artistic installations to conceal their hostile intentions. This approach only exacerbates the inequality in our society, as it allows one group of people to appreciate the designs while others, such as the homeless, suffer from their impact. This approach is hypocritical and inhumane, as it exploits artistic expression for deceptive purposes rather than creating genuine beauty.

In comparison, the architectural spikes, while appearing ugly and terrifying, seem less insidious than the disguised hostile designs. This highlights the importance of transparency in design and the need to consider the emotional impact of design choices on different user groups.

Ross, R. (2015). London is Changing [Instalment]. London is Changing. Retrieved from https://www.londonischanging.org/

London is Changing is a fascinating project that captures the diverse stories and perspectives of individuals living in London. It is an inspiring project that encourages us to see beyond our own experiences and consider the viewpoints of others, including those who are homeless. By understanding different perspectives, we can gain a fuller understanding of our society and create designs that benefit everyone, rather than just a select few.

The interactive nature of this project also prompts us to consider how we can create projects that encourage greater participation and combat exclusivity behind the hostile design. It is important for designers to create inclusive designs that reflect the needs and experiences of a wide range of people. Projects like London is Changing provide an excellent example of how design can be used to bring people together and foster greater understanding and empathy within a community.

Platon. (2011). Lyolya [Photograph]. The People’s Portfolio. Retrieved from https://www.thepeoplesportfolio.org/

The photograph “Lyolya” by Platon depicts a homeless woman and sheds light on the harsh living conditions that homeless individuals face. This powerful image, much like the architectural spikes, serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those without access to basic necessities.

While the architectural spikes may hint at the difficulties faced by the homeless, the photograph offers a more nuanced and personal view of their lives. Despite facing severe hardships, the woman in the photograph shows a sense of optimism and kindness, always willing to help others and maintain hope for a better life. This stands in stark contrast to the apparent hostility of the spikes, which may harm not only the physical safety of the homeless, but also their sense of dignity and worth as human beings.