Through the lens of sex work, I investigated how legislation expresses itself in space and architecture. I looked into how space and legislation affect each other and how this is (in)visible in the city. I also looked at examples of commercial sex spaces in different cities. This difference in legislation also expresses itself in different rates of visibility of sex workers. This visibility of sex work then again influences legislation and space. Sex work in Bergen occurs in a variety of spaces of different types and sizes. One consistent element is that they are hidden away from those who don’t know where to look. And while the spaces don’t move, the sex workers do. Because of complicated legal and social circumstances many sex workers move from space to space and city to city. In their travel they miss out on spaces that provide consistent support and it makes it difficult to build up a community amongst colleagues.
Full explanation of project audio: 20240813_122743.m4a
Facade model of a common brothel type in Bergen, disguised as a different business
Left; Map showing location of kyrkens bymission, a non-profit helping sex workers amongst others, right; Map showing travel paths of sex workers in Norway, number of beads showing the number of days they are in 1 location.
Model showing the uncovering of a space for sex work
A room for commercial sex in Antwerp
Common elements in sex workspaces and their function
Historical St. Jørgens hospital as an example of what a sanctioned sex workspace could look like in Bergen, by projecting common elements of workspaces onto the building. Each sex worker is able to have their personal space
St. Jørgens courtyard during the day, when sex workers are starting to arrive and on a busy evening.
St. Jørgens main hall during the day, when flexible elements allow sex workers to use it as a meeting place and at night when they are working.
Exhibition space at BAS
Diploma Presentation
