About this Video

• Video Title: "Queering Public Spaces" - Prof Pippa Catterall at Arup, 26 Feb 2020
• Channel: Research and Knowledge Exchange Office
• Speakers: Pippa Catterall, Matt Dillon, Amar (likely)
• Duration: 01:00:32

Introduction

This video features a lecture by Professor Pippa Catterall on the relationship between public spaces and queer spaces. The lecture explores how public spaces, often designed from a heteronormative perspective, can be unwelcoming or unsafe for LGBTQ+ individuals and women. Professor Catterall examines the historical context and proposes ways to create more inclusive public spaces.

Key Takeaways

• Public spaces often reflect societal views, historically skewed toward male and heteronormative perspectives, leading to exclusion and safety concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals and women. Many public spaces are not designed with the safety and inclusivity of these groups in mind.
• Queer spaces, while sometimes overlapping with public spaces, are often distinct and can be vulnerable to various forms of violence and policing. These spaces are not always safe, and their use is often limited by the larger social context.
• The design of public spaces significantly impacts inclusivity. Features like open sightlines, large-scale buildings, and a lack of secluded areas can contribute to feelings of threat and exclusion. Conversely, meandering pathways, broken sightlines, and smaller-scale spaces can foster a sense of safety and inclusivity.
• Historical legacies and societal norms influence how public spaces are designed and perceived, leading to a path dependency that reinforces exclusion. The Victorian era's influence on design principles is a key aspect discussed.
• Addressing the issue requires moving beyond surface-level solutions like gender sensitivity toward a more fundamental "queering" of design principles to create inherently inclusive spaces. This involves challenging existing norms and power structures to establish truly inclusive public environments.

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