Designing for “Non-places”
As global populations increase, it is inevitable that the growth of cities will follow suit. Urban environments change at such a rapid pace that many areas that used to be public spaces have now become privatized by land developers or are heavily regulated through strict legislation.
David Harvey, a geographer, wrote a paper titled The Right To The City (2008), where he proclaimed: “[that] the freedom to make and remake our cities and ourselves is… one of the most precious yet most neglected of our human rights”. Here, I resolved to question: “If design strategies could be used as a way to counteract social imbalances, how could I address the loss of accessible public places through the application of design?”
Project duration: 5 Months
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It has been found that the health and safety of the street correlate with the number and variety of users across different times of the day. Within this context, how may we reclaim urban infrastructures so that we may once again congregate, work, play, and relax in public spaces?
This assemblage of parasitic furniture is positioned as an activist project that hopes to empower individuals by activating "publicly owned private spaces" (POPS). Through providing comfort in activities such as commensality (the act of eating together), play and self-expression, users are afforded more personal experiences that invites them to inhabit public spaces more comfortably across London.
By interviewing people, I was able to gauge interest and the need for active public spaces.
After mapping the flow of conversations from the interviews, I summarized my findings.
Evaluating Cities
In the face of rapidly changing infrastructure, the spaces we create are increasingly governed, not by the people that inhabit them, but rather kafkaesque institutions such as private corporations and governments. Through the lens of design, how could we address such a complex phenomenon?
Who are the users?
“POPS” or privately owned public spaces have been a contentious topic in urban planning and development. Through the gradual gentrification of property, corporations and governments have increased control over how individuals experience public places.
“Non-places”
Coined by social anthropologist Marc Auge, “non-places” are spaces that lack a sense of identity and social character. By looking at how other creatives have tackled this sociological issue, I began to develop my concept.
Portable furniture
Furniture allows us to inhabit the environment we reside in: ergo, to rehumanize public spaces, I wanted to create platforms to give agency back to residents. To aid in the ideation of my designs, I used cardboard to quickly brainstorm potential ideas.
“The Cube”
After creating a series of cardboard miniature models, I wanted to use a modular layout to help facilitate a variety of experiences for people. Using a simple pegboard and box shape, I created a module that folded up and offered a “pop-up” space.
Illustrating the parts
To better communicate how the prototype works to others, I created a parts list. By showing the several parts of this prototype, I hoped that it would show how easy this piece could be assembled.
Moving on…
Most of the comments I received for this initial module were concerns around ergonomics and portability. With my next prototype, I hope to address these issues by making the unit wearable.
“Flatback”
With this next iteration, I wanted to used the basic design of a backpack to increase the mobile nature of the unit. By making the prototype wearable, I hoped that the previous concerns would be addressed.
Lived experience
To validate my design, I arranged a get-together with others to receive feedback for my prototype. By using my product in situ, I found areas to improve.
Self-reflection
By changing the legs of a typical bench/ table, I had created this portable piece of furniture. However, when inviting other people to use the model, some struggled to fit themselves comfortably into the frame. Through continual development, I hope to further address ergonomics.
Engaging with audiences
In anticipation for the 2023 RCA WIP show, I had created a small interactive element where I asked people how they would inhabit public spaces, and if they could, what sort of activities they would have.
Gathering data
After the show, I collected the responses on the right. To my surprise, people typically fell under one of two categories: those who wanted to share their experiences with others (extroverts), and those who wanted a space for quiet contemplation (introverts).
“Slingback”
To facilitate the different activities people wanted in public spaces, I continued to develop my concept. With the aid of aluminum tent poles, I created another module: this time incorporating a sling to wear over the shoulder.
Personalized experiences
With the holes drilled into the surface of the platform to reduce the weight of the MDF, I was inspired to 3D print accessories to slot into the table. The addition of the accessories greatly personalized the experiences people could have.
Accessories available
An ashtray that doubles as a cupholder when windy
A candleholder that can house both floating disk and taper candles for evening events
An umbrella holder to shelter users from direct sunlight and sudden rain
User testing
As with the previous prototypes, I invited others to test the modular furniture with me. By having people wear and use my objects, I learned a lot about how people chose to utilize public spaces.
Assembly process
With my model being assembled by connecting metal tubes into the holes, the process to construct the platform proved to be intuitive. With two people, the prototype was quickly installed.
Multiple forms
If the user chose to do so, the metal pipes could be adjusted to different heights so that the “slingback” could not only act as a table, but also seating. Shown are the various configurations possible with the product.
Details
With the various layouts, I have shown how the accessories may be installed for someone to enjoy. Displayed at different angles, these photos show how my furniture could be used in conjunction with one another.
Conclusions
I think that this latest iteration was the most successful of the prototypes. The integrity of the wooden pipes were called into question, due to the tables being wobbly, which I would like to address with further making.
Icons by several authors, all rights to perspective owners