Amidst ongoing efforts by various municipal governments to eliminate loitering

(aka existing in public without paying) and its associated visual representation of

homelessness, the act of sitting outside is perceived as indecorous on city streets. My

Sitpipes project presents a direct response and potential solution to the problem of

hostile architecture, by repurposing the visual language of standpipes and other such

infrastructure to enhance their functionality for the better.

 

Standpipes are the dual-headed copper pipes seen outside most large buildings

in North American buildings, serving as water access points for firefighters. These

stool-height hydrants are maintained by the individual buildings who are free to “guard” their property however they see fit so long as the chastity cage-like hostile architecture implemented passes fire department access and maintenance checks. Buildings will always need standpipes, so Sitpipes redesign these structures to

serve multiple functions. Through the inclusion of a pillow-like seat on top of standard

pipe heads, Sitpipes uses artistically inclusive design to invite audience interaction, and celebrates rest as an act of resistance.

​

Produced as part of my Masters of Fine Arts thesis at Parsons School of Design, The New School.