In the Alley, observations of central st : wasted space pt.1

Over the past year or so, I’ve been pondering, to varying degrees, what the definition of ‘wasted space’ is. More importantly, I’ve pondered HOW do we define these spaces? Does the duality between ideas of ‘wasted / useless’ and ‘full/useful’ space exist, I wonder? My focus in this first part of a hopefully long-running and evolving observation of wasted space is Central Street.

I find this research both greatly interesting and necessary because I hope it opens people’s minds to the existence of a blur between spatial lines. As well as the prevalence of what I’m calling ‘life space’. The term ‘blur’ speaks to the ill-defined lines of binary definition I feel wasted and full space have. In the context of my writing, we can think of the term ‘life space’ as encapsulating the fluidity and adaptability of urban spaces through spatial agency.
I am expressly interested in the ways in which people experiencing homelessness transform these spaces.



Backstory

I have been keen on studying Central Street further because of my own observations of its SUPPOSEDLY empty nature.
This preconceived notion of emptiness puzzled me because the alley connects two very busy Sydney streets, both George St and Pitt St.

Central Street is primarily pedestrian, connecting George Street to Pitt Street via the back of Central District Court House. Opening onto this alley from George Street, a games shop is on one side. On the other side, there are garages for the units above. Further into the alley, a small coffee shop, tucked away within the alley walls a popular spot for local office workers.
I walk in, with the strange internal excitement of an explorer, watching people walk by while I sip coffee.

From my past observations, I thought that space was quite empty. However, to quote Krystallia Kamvasinou and Sarah Ann Milne, in their chapter ‘Surveying the creative use of vacant space in London’...

“the ‘empty space’ of vacant land has actually often been full of life, activity and/or busy with natural processes and hence a landscape of potential.”

Passers-by and long stays

As I delved deeper into my observations, I was pleasantly surprised by the hidden life within these supposedly empty spaces.
During my short stay from 1 to 2 p.m. on a Saturday, I counted 211 people passing by. I noticed a few people hanging around. However, only a small number (11 of those 211) either sat on the bench outside the cafe or stood across beneath the balconies above smoking.
In a way it disproves the wasted nature due to its surprising utility. Demonstrating the transitory nature of Central Street. However, it also demonstrates elements of waste. Due to the shops opening onto it at each entrance, leaving the middle bare.

Signs of longer stays, overnight and beyond, were observed. Tucked away within the fire escape recesses along the alley. A dirtied pillow lies against a door, food packets and more are found within these fire escape recesses. It is sadly I feel a result of the hostility towards people experiencing homelessness. The homeless seek shelter from both the elements and harassment from the public and authorities within ‘wasted space’. However, the fear of ‘wasted’ space from the property owner and public stems in part from the homeless lingering. It’s a strange circular relationship I’ve noticed with one enforcing the other.
It is however interesting to see these spaces’ hidden / ignored use as I take greater notice of these recesses. As I walk around Sydney, I notice the variety of use. An overnight stay, a security guard post, a spot out of the way to take a phone call, and more. These spaces are often an afterthought and a tick-box exercise, but we must consider “what else?”
Something I plan to explore further in later writings and designs so stay tuned for that.

Regardless of the number of people passing through, the stark difference between George Street and Central Street gives an incredible feeling of seclusion, for better or worse. I could see perhaps how the space could make people weary as walls dip in, limiting clear sight straight down. I did not, sadly (however, I should have), keep track of the male-female divide. However, from observation, it appeared quite equal to some degree. A few families with small children passed through the space, which disproved my first thoughts. Although on past occasions, I have seen a few rowdy people down there however not today.

Cars are more frequent than I first anticipated. With 10 passing through into the garage within, and one driving down to the George Street end to pick up food and then drive back up to Pitt Street. On previous visits, the alley also saw small trucks delivering produce to the few shops along George Street.
This service to others connected to the alley. 

While sitting, brought into question stated in the beginning, ‘who’ and ‘what’ defines this space as ‘wasted’.  We must look beyond simple black-and-white definitions and not disregard the importance of these spaces.
Without them, there would be no service; this space allows life, hence my idea of life space as an emulsion of the two binaries.
We must ask how we as designers and architects make use of these peculiar spaces to create something both functional and beautiful.



Graffiti & Spatial Slippery Slopes

To do this, we must consider space not as a waste but as an opportunity. The movement of people I witnessed across the alley’s length was more significant than I first anticipated.
While the place is heavily monitored, due to its nature and connection to the Central Court House, graffiti remains.
I don’t find particular joy or interest in quick tags; however, I admit this is due to my lack of community knowledge and involvement. 
I can’t deny the expression and statement of self I feel graffiti is, and its great appropriation of any type of space, horizontal, vertical up high or down low. The art of graffiti, stickers or signposting is, to me, creating a live, as Kenneth Bromphy would call it, “time depth” so why do we discourage it even in spaces where I feel it would be beneficial in conjunction with further work to improve the space?

Perhaps I ask too many questions, but oh well. I guess I can keep them here to remember and work them through in later pieces.


Written by Ethan Scotney 11/9/2024 : All rights reserved Magni Studio 2024