Unpleasant Design

Historical Roots

The concept of unpleasant design has historical roots in social control, as illustrated by Roman Mars and Selena Savage. They discuss how street lighting in early 1900s Bosnia was used by the Austrian government to exert control, despite local resistance 1. This approach has evolved into modern practices like installing spikes to deter homeless people from resting in certain areas, sparking debates about the ethics of such designs 1. Selena highlights that these designs often target marginalized groups, pushing them from one space to another 2.

Unpleasant designs are meant to exert a kind of social control in public by targeting people who spend a lot of time in public spaces, especially the young and the homeless.

--- Roman Mars

The discussion emphasizes the need to recognize these designs as part of broader societal issues.

   

Modern Controversies

Modern instances of unpleasant design continue to provoke controversy, as Roman Mars and Selena Savage explore. They describe how features like spikes and armrests on benches limit public space use, often excluding certain groups 3. Selena argues that these designs replace human interaction with rigid solutions, raising ethical concerns 4. The debate around these practices highlights the tension between public safety and inclusivity.

We need to know when we're replacing human interaction and nuance and empathy with hard, physical, non-negotiable solutions.

--- Roman Mars

Awareness of these designs is crucial, as they often prioritize the comfort of some at the expense of others.