Current Job Title and Institution
Postdoc – Aalborg University

How My Interest in My Research Field Arose
I have always been fascinated by studying people. One might ask what that has to do with urban space design, but for me, the study of design is just as much a study of people. I am particularly interested in examining the mechanisms of exclusion that occur in society. When the opportunity arose to investigate how people experiencing homelessness are pushed around the city by various design interventions, I knew I had to seize it.

It quickly became clear to me that much of the behavior exhibited by people experiencing homelessness—such as lying down to sleep or rest, preparing food, or sitting and drinking—is considered entirely legitimate in private spaces, such as our homes.

But in public spaces, this behavior suddenly becomes illegitimate. Or rather, lying down in public is acceptable on the beach or in the park during summer, but it is seen as unacceptable at the train station. What is perceived as legitimate or illegitimate behavior in public spaces is, in my view, truly fascinating because it reflects our tolerance and openness toward others’ life circumstances.

It was also interesting to explore how different design interventions are used to regulate what behavior is considered legitimate or illegitimate in various public spaces. Examples include benches divided into sections with extra armrests to prevent lying down, or music played strategically to make prolonged stays unbearable.

What I Am Most Passionate About in My Work
For me, it is a great privilege to speak with so many people whose life circumstances are fundamentally different from my own. I have spoken with many individuals who are or have been homeless, and I feel genuinely honored that they have been willing to open their world and share their perspectives on the city with me.

I also see this as a great responsibility, and throughout my PhD project, I have worked to give them a voice and ensure their perspectives are heard—both in academia and in civil society. Their voices and views on the city are incredibly important to share because they often possess experience and knowledge that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of society.

What Perspectives My Research Might Offer Society in the Long Run
For many people, “hostile architecture” or “exclusionary design” is a relatively new concept, and many don’t even notice it in urban spaces simply because they don’t experience its negative consequences themselves.

One of the goals of the research project has therefore been to make exclusionary design visible so that we all “learn to see” it when we encounter it. Once you start noticing it, you can’t unsee it. Making this phenomenon visible is therefore crucial.

Next, dialogue about this type of design is essential, because we all have a choice and a responsibility for how we want our cities and society to develop. Nothing is predetermined—it is truly our choice.

Do we want to accept exclusionary design that pushes people experiencing homelessness further out of the city, into greater insecurity and hopelessness? Or do we want to design our urban spaces so that there is room for everyone—including people experiencing homelessness? This is a choice we all influence.

What Made the Biggest Impression on Me During My PhD Defense
During my defense, I sensed that we all shared a common social concern about how our cities are developing. The concern was both that people experiencing homelessness find their living conditions and survival strategies deteriorating as they are pushed out of certain urban spaces, and that we are slowly becoming more and more disconnected from one another in the city.

It is through encounters with others that we grow as individuals and as a society. It is in meeting “the other” that our prejudices and discomfort with “the unfamiliar” are challenged, and it is in these encounters that we become more inclusive people.

I had looked forward to the defense—and perhaps even more to the publication of the PhD dissertation—so that the knowledge and insights contained in the material could be shared and hopefully spark reflection and dialogue.

A Bit About the Person Behind the Researcher
I am someone driven equally by curiosity and indignation. For me, the most interesting things are always found at the margins of our society. Whether it’s people experiencing homelessness, ethnic minorities, or people with disabilities matters less to me; what’s interesting is being allowed to step into their world with open curiosity.

It also becomes interesting when something from their perspective stirs my sense of justice. I have a mixed background with both a vocational education and later studies in pedagogy and sociology. This has given me many different insights into how one can think about and understand the world.

Pursuing an education and having experience from multiple fields not only provides new skills but also insight into many different people’s lives. That’s an insight and experience I draw on every day.

My Advice to Current PhD Students Who Want a Career Outside Academia
After a PhD, you’ve acquired many different skills, and the job you dream of might be one you have to create yourself.

My advice would be to follow your passion and seek out places where you can work with what you care about—while also being open to the fact that your passion and work may change several times throughout your career.

Personally, I think the most exciting things are always found at the margins or on the edge, and that’s what I’ll be looking for when the time comes.

Carsten Hvid Nielsen