Reflecting on Our Final Field Project

    For our topics in social justice project, my group decided to address the issue of hostile architecture. Around Uni and all over campus we see all kinds of examples of hostile architecture that is impractical, inaccessible, and sends a message about who is and is not welcome on this campus. To address this issue, our group decided to take two paths. One was to raise awareness about hostile architecture by creating posters that informed people about what hostile architecture is and where they can learn more about it. The plan was to create these posters and then put them up around campus near examples of hostile architecture to inform the public about this issue. The other thing our group did was create a proposal for 5 new benches around Uni that would serve as accessible benches and examples of non-hostile architecture. Along with the benches, we proposed a plaque be added that provides a link to resources for people to learn more about hostile architecture, its negative impacts, and what we can do about this issue. 

    Overall the project went well and we were able to complete these tasks in time. We did encounter a few challenges including having our posters taken down and bad weather that kept us from chalking as well as regulations surrounding chalk outside of campus. I think we still did a good job though and I’m hoping our project will achieve its desired effect. We can’t know for sure since we still have to wait on funding for the benches and it’s hard to know how impactful the posters will be especially if they are being taken down, but I’m hopeful that at least a few people got a chance to see them and reflect on the purpose of hostile architecture.

    I’m proud of the work that our group was able to do given the limited time frame that we had. The administration seems to be on board with the benches idea so I’m hopeful that we will see those implemented and I’m proud that we were able to complete that. I also think the posters we made were pretty cool and I hope that people will take the time to look at them and inform themselves about the issue. 

    In terms of what we could have done differently, I think we could have maybe put up posters around the school as well to raise awareness within the Uni community on hostile architecture. If given the time, we also could have gone to more places in town to look for hostile architecture and see if we could have added anything in those spots as well to raise awareness. 

    In terms of the next steps, I think it would be important to make sure that the benches we proposed to get put in and that they meet the requirements we suggested. Aside from that, although I know it would be difficult, petitioning for the MTD bus stop benches to be replaced with more accessible benches could be impactful not just on campus, but all around town. 

    I think this project helped me develop a better understanding of the administrative process at Uni. Although I won’t be at Uni anymore, I think other administrations often work in a similar way and I think I can use my understanding of how things work here to help me in the future when looking to make similar changes at other institutions.