How Infrastructure Makes Culture
We think of infrastructure as convenience.Â
Yet infrastructure is also the container that holds the context for everything that happens through infrastructure.
When there are no footpaths, people do not walk. When there are scooter and cycling lanes, people ride scooters and bikes.
When there are no threshold crossings, people behave as they like. Walk into a home, and we become a guest. Do we adopt the relational behaviour of the guest?
Homes designed without fences, where the living room is open to everyone, invite community.
Homes with high fences and security invite danger and a culture of fear.
Have cameras on every corner, and people live under watch and all that comes with that.
If we want to incentivise behaviour that builds community, collaboration, dignity, and honourable guesting, designing infrastructure – whether physical or digital – must be considered.
Photo Taken October 27th 2025, Article published October 27th, 2025
