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Harassment Architecture

4 Extra Debut. Is it time to rethink urban architecture that can create hostile environments? Once homeless Charlston wants change. From 2023.

The homeless community is targeted by features in the cityscape that are invisible to many of us.

Many argue that anti-homeless architecture enforces a certain type of ‘acceptable’ use of public space.

Benches, bus stops and back alleys have been redesigned - leading some to say that homeless people are harassed into living in evermore hidden and dangerous places.

A culture of resistance on the streets is fighting back.

Charlston draws from his first-hand experience of being homeless and disabled to reflect on how he and others like him are instructed, and often forced, to navigate urban environments.

He questions the purpose and value of hostile design through recalling his own testimonies, and the hardship he has encountered. He now uses architecture as a tool in campaigning for radical solutions.

New Storytellers presents the work of new radio and audio producers, and this series features the winners of the 2023 Charles Parker Prize for the Best Student Radio Feature.

Harassment Architecture was made by Goldsmiths MA student George Ruskin, and the judges commented,

“What is excellent about this piece is the perspective. It makes the listener see the world from one – singular – point of view, with wonderful stereo illustrations to bring the words to life.â€

Producer: George Ruskin

A Soundscape production for ±«Óãtv Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2023.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Aug 2024 09:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 1 Aug 2023 13:45
  • Sat 2 Dec 2023 05:45
  • Mon 5 Aug 2024 09:30