Efficiency lacks creativity!

Security measures can still be applied to combat HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) whilst creating landscape features and creative designs to complement its surroundings, particularly through planter boxes. However, when it comes to attacks that require efficient and quick responses, bollards are much easier to deploy. While this leaves no time to focus on the aesthetics, it ensures heightened concerns around public safety are met quickly and effectively.

In recent years, the threat of vehicle-related incidents has become increasingly prominent, with attacks in New Orleans, Germany, and Australia underscoring the urgent need for effective Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) strategies. Implementing HVM measures is undoubtedly crucial, they provide a tangible line of defence against vehicle-related threats. Physical barriers can stop or slow down vehicles, reducing the potential for harm. Urban design strategies can create safer, more resilient public spaces. For example, retractable bollards are implemented to control vehicle access, ensuring both security and accessibility. Federation square has planned to implement retractable bollards after the 2017 Bourke Street tragedy which will help to enhance pedestrian safety while allowing controlled vehicle access for events or maintenance. These measures are essential for protecting lives and maintaining public confidence in the safety of urban environments.

Melbourne residents received the implantation of bollards well during the aftermath of many tragic vehicle attacks, one of which took place on January 2017. This attack had shocked the community as a driver deliberately drove into pedestrians in the busy heart of the city, killing six people. In response, authorities installed concrete bollards across the city with over 200 being placed in several suburbs. Premier, Daniel Andrews stated there was, ‘no time to be wasted,’ leaving out the design aspects and how it may look against the backdrop of city landscapes.

While efficient responses are undoubtedly required, many residents complained about the grey, and concrete appearance of the bollards and took their own initiative to paint, colour and design them. A few have been splayed with bright fonts of graffiti, some covered in crochets, stickers, and patchwork fabrics.

Bollards, as previously mentioned are installed as a safety features, however what comes with this as residents navigate through it during their day to life, may serve as a reminder of the tragic event which took place in order to deploy them. Although its visual features are limited to its purpose to keep pedestrians safe, it also highlights how bollards are not necessarily limited in the way communities can respond to them. In the ABC, one person commented:

‘It takes the grey because there’s random grey bollards and now its colour and individualism, it’s nice to see, it’s more human.’ (ABC)

This highlights how the response to bollards were backed by resilience, bolstering the security bollards provide. It also emphasises the appreciation for its more recent implementations to the public sphere as they’re installed with the public’s convenience in mind, either with aesthetics or location.

Drawing from our expertise at Lote Consulting, we emphasize the importance of a multi-layered approach to HVM. This includes physical barriers, such as the bollards and wedge barriers, which can effectively prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian zones. Additionally, urban design elements such as wider sidewalks and strategically placed street furniture can enhance pedestrian safety. Hence, we, at Lote Consulting, are committed to developing innovative solutions that protect communities.

As Melbourne makes its mark in Australia as an artistic and cultural hub, it may be unsurprising that pedestrians decided to add their own touches and personality to it, showcasing how the security measures can work in robust ways and still be met with an artistic response at the intersection between public safety and art.

In conclusion, Melbourne’s implementation of bollards as Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures underscores the balance between public safety and urban aesthetics. While their primary function is to protect lives, the community’s creative responses—adding colour, art, and individuality—highlight resilience and adaptability. These transformations demonstrate how utilitarian security features can coexist with Melbourne’s vibrant cultural identity, turning reminders of tragedy into symbols of strength and unity.

References

1. "Bollard Art: What Do Melburnians Think?" ABC News, 4 July 2017. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-04/bollard-art-what-do-melburnians-think/8674298 Accessed 16 April. 2025.
2. "Police Recordings Reveal Chilling New Details Moments before Fatal Bourke Street Attack." Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7696811/Police-recordings-reveal-chilling-new-details-moments-fatal-Bourke-Street-attack.html Accessed 18 April. 2025.
3. "January 2017 Melbourne Car Attack." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2017_Melbourne_car_attack Accessed 18 April. 2025.
4. "New Concrete Safety Barriers to Protect Our City." Premier of Victoria. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-concrete-safety-barriers-protect-our-city Accessed 18 April. 2025.