SAFE SHAPE Exhibit
SAFE SHAPE is a “pop-up” traveling exhibit in the form of a pavilion that operates as a mock drug consumption room (DCR) also sometimes called a supervised injecting facility (SIF). This exhibit was constructed to project an image of reason/science/rationality and an unwavering commitment to humanistic enterprises without taking cues from repressive and stigmatizing institutions and without resorting to a defensive posture.
SAFE SHAPE’s design elements and content were conceived from a passion to educate the public on the philosophy and practice of harm reduction. The exhibit stems from the belief that the integration of public health and activist architecture-design is not only achievable but can serve the best interests of the entire community.
This exhibit takes the form of a 10’x10’x10’ pavilion. Its overall design is based on an open and iconic plan where the exterior and interior components reflect and project an image of reason and trustworthiness and instil confidence in all visitors.
SAFE SHAPE’s floor plan builds upon the various arrangements of space found in the many DCRs operating across the world. Upon entering, the visitor encounters a greeting area and supplies station. From there the visitor is routed to the injection station, where DCR clients can engage in supervised and hygienic injections of pre-obtained drugs. The final stop is the “chill room,” where DCR clients can relax in a low-stress space and also access information on housing, employment, drug treatment, and so forth.
SAFE SHAPE Layout
SAFE SHAPE’s floor plan builds upon the various arrangements of space found in the many DCRs operating across the world. Upon entering, the visitor encounters a greeting area and supplies station. From there the visitor is routed to the injection station, where DCR clients can engage in supervised and hygienic injections of pre-obtained drugs. The final stop is the “chill room,” where DCR clients can relax in a low-stress space and also access information on housing, employment, drug treatment, and so forth. This exhibit constitutes its own argument in favor of the DCR as a public health measure. SAFE SHAPE’s multimedia interactivity promotes a substantive dialogue about drug use in the community and creates a provocative rhetorical relationship with each of its visitors.Projected videos
The video footage playing on the tablets arrayed strategically throughout the exhibit demonstrates how the DCR can be – and has been – used by people who inject drugs. This footage is juxtaposed with the video images projected against the exhibit’s exterior walls, which reveal the typical spaces where people inject drugs when they do not have access to a DCR. This juxtaposition of images yields an argument by dualistic contrast in favor of the DCR as a critical public health initiative. Every visitor experiences directly the stark contrast between public injection and DCR injection and, ideally, walks away feeling even more supportive of the DCR as a sound public health measure.
This exhibit constitutes its own argument in favor of the DCR as a public health measure. SAFE SHAPE’s multimedia interactivity promotes a substantive dialogue about injection drug use in the community and creates a provocative rhetorical relationship with each of its visitors.
