Spazio recommends: Objection! Protest by Design

Up until May 29th, this Vitra Design Museum exhibition shows the informal structures and designs that were created during the Umbrella Movement, a spontaneous student protest that erupted in Hong Kong on September 2014 as a reaction to proposed changes in the electoral process.

Lennon Wall, Hong Kong. Photograph Jesse Howard

I found of great interest the remarks on public/private space. "When we go into the street and have to live there without a well-defined space for resting, the distinction between public and private space disappears, and the space has to be redefined. [...] Activities one usually performed in private suddenly come into public view. Occupiers had to think creatively and find ways to carry out basic human behaviours. if we view this as a demonstration of what is essential to our way of living now, the informal designs show a response to what the public needs."

Study Room, Hong Kong. Photograph David Leung/MIRO

Crossroad stairs, Hong Kong. Photograph Community Museum Project

Tents, Hong Kong. Photograph David Leung/MIRO

Informal Shrine, Hong Kong. Photograph King-Chung Siu