By Lilian Bernhardt
Sharp spikes, flashing lights, wayward sprinklers: hostile architecture restricts how public space is used by all of us. But grassroots groups are trying to make this dangerous design trend a passé relic.
In the space of 90 days, Jason Russell’s life changed dramatically. The firefighter and father of three had a workplace injury, followed by mental health challenges, which led to him becoming homeless. For 18 years he slept rough in Melbourne, squatting in abandoned factories, buildings and the surrounding streets.
Jason says that his priorities at that time were finding shelter, water and access to bathroom facilities – tasks made more difficult by the intentional deterrents embedded in the city’s urban landscape. “It’s bad enough that you’re homeless,” he says, “but then they’re actively going out of their way to infringe on your world, putting up barriers on purpose.”
This article first appeared in The Big Issue Australia, a magazine sold on the streets of Australia by people who have limited other ways of earning an income.