The Controversial Appearance of Lego-Like Blocks Under a Paris Bridge
Imagine walking down a graffiti-stained sidewalk in Paris, only to stumble upon a peculiar sight just days before the Olympic opening ceremony in July. About 40 giant cement blocks, reminiscent of oversized Lego pieces, lined up neatly beneath the Pont de Stains bridge in the northern suburb of Aubervilliers. This bridge conveniently connects two Olympic sites, the Stade de France and the Parc des Nations, creating an intriguing juxtaposition against the urban backdrop.
Previously, this location served as a homeless encampment where approximately 100 individuals, including migrants, resided in tents. However, on July 17, the situation took a drastic turn. Law enforcement authorities arrived and issued evacuation orders, displacing the inhabitants as part of a pre-Olympic cleanup operation. Homeless people, members of the Roma community, migrants, and sex workers were all loaded onto buses bound for other cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse, leaving behind an eerie emptiness.
Once the area was vacated, activists noticed the sudden appearance of immovable concrete blocks in place of the makeshift tents. This installation marked the end of any hope for the displaced individuals to return, solidifying the message that they were not welcome back.
These concrete blocks have sparked controversy as they are seen as examples of hostile architecture – a term referring to deliberate urban design elements that discourage certain activities, such as loitering, sleeping, or gathering. Antoine de Clerck, a member of the activist group Le Revers de la Médaille, highlights how these measures are amplified during the Olympic Games, drawing attention to the treatment of marginalized populations.
While activists do not advocate for unsanctioned encampments, they emphasize the need for sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. The overarching goal is to address the root causes of homelessness and displacement, ensuring that individuals are supported and empowered to thrive.
Paris has seen other instances of hostile architecture, such as picnic tables strategically placed to deter sleeping. However, the giant Lego-style blocks have captured widespread attention for their bold and unapologetic presence. Jules Boykoff, a professor specializing in the social impacts of major sporting events like the Olympics, notes that while hostile architecture is not a new concept, its overt implementation in this context is especially striking.
Anti-homeless spikes and rough surfaces installed in a luxury housing complex to deter homeless people from sleeping in the area around the Limehouse Basin marina in London, UK
Photograph: Julio Etchart/ullstein bild via Getty Images