The Bigger Picture (BAPD/U6/17)

Edit: 12/5/2021 

Looking back on any work is a struggle, although this is particularly difficult. Our intentions were obviously well meaning but the manner in which we tackled this issue was shallow, and as I briefly acknowledged, patronising. In retrospect it's easy to blame this on the brevity of the project, which was only a couple of weeks long. Although that certainly played a role, in the future there is a responsibility for me to give such large and 'wicked' problems the space they warrant, instead of using them to fufill the objectives of, what was essentially, a university team building excercise.

The Bigger Picture is a collaborative project spanning the ceramics, graphics, architecture and architecture courses. This is the resulting work between Mitsuka Togo (C), Yukako Sunaba (G), Constance Read (G), Yuqi Huang (A), and myself (PD)

Homelessness is pervasive throughout London and many other English cities. It is inescapable and awkward, presenting the degrading circumstances that people live in sincerely yet without grace. This creates tension between two parties who are both aware of changing fortunes, but are unable to reconcile those acknowledgements with everyday hassle. Homelessness becomes the bill that is yet to be paid, or the errand that refuses to be run. It is put off endlessly until it is 'just one of those things'.

There are solutions but they require the empathetic mindset that has become numbed by regular exposure to the issue. Homelessness has become less of a humanitarian issue than it has become an issue of cleanliness, of appearance.

For settled people we need enticing discourse, because without it we forget about people and their circumstances; we loose friends this way. It is unreasonable to expect jaded people to accept and promote a scheme they are unaware of, so legitimacy is a requirement.

Conversely, without work** life often lacks meaning. In fact many homeless people express a willingness to work that is hampered by their lack of an address, bank account and other facilitating means. Despite this it is also important to note the freedoms of the homeless and the transient mentality that can develop after long periods of time and to accommodate that freedom through self reliance.

It is not fair to put the onus on either party. There must be an honest exchange to make any proposal worthwhile. With this in mind we suggest homeless tour guides. A Potential For Work scheme.

Depression era chalk markings used by transients...

Logo in blaze orange for visibility 

There are two steps:

1. A public legitimacy campaign sponsored by the Mayor of London. This would be seen throughout the tube and at bus stops.

2. A leaflet outlining the terms of the proposal

 

This does get a bit patronising

The leaflets have a logo badge pinned and are handed out in plastic sleeves to the homeless. The front of the leaflet can then be used along with the badge to display a willingness to give tours. We imagined a scenario in which a homeless person was approached while they were considering the text on the back, inspiring their participation.

**By this I mean the act of creation, making something, physical or otherwise, paid or not.