Exemplar Team Project
www.igcseglobalperspectives.net
(Download the cover sheet from www.cambridgeinternational.org/samples)
1
Exemplar Team Project
www.igcseglobalperspectives.net
Team Element1
Explanation
Topic
Human rights
Issue
Hostile architecture
Aim
We aimed to promote awareness of hostile architecture by helping other students
at our school understand how it impacts society and by introducing different
cultural perspectives on this issue to help them decide whether or how much they
support its use.
Outcome
To achieve our aim, we created a documentary film that introduces the issue and
its impact on society. This video also showcases local, national and global
perspectives through interviews and survey statistics.
Link to our documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwfOJzMkjek&feature=youtu.be
How our
exploration
of different
cultural
perspectives
supports the
Outcome
We found that different countries use hostile architecture for different purposes.
Some countries use hostile architecture to create safer public spaces and
discourage loitering (Lo, 2017). Other countries use hostile architecture to
discriminate against the homeless and keep the poor population away from public
areas (Atkinson, 2015). In this project, our group investigated the different cultural
perspectives and impact of hostile architecture in Hong Kong compared to
overseas.
Through our research, our group concluded that the problem is that many people
are oblivious to the issue of hostile architecture. Our survey data shows that only
65% of students at our school are aware of this issue. Furthermore, half of those
who are aware do not know the full extent of its impact. During our interview with
expert Paul Zimmerman we learned that, despite its great impact, the existence of
hostile architecture in Hong Kong is extremely subtle and often goes unnoticed.
Therefore we believe that awareness of discrimination against marginalised groups
in society could be effectively improved at YCIS with our documentary about the
hardships and alienation that hostile architecture in Hong Kong can cause.
278 words
Works Cited
Atkinson, Rowland, “Defensive Architecture: designing the homeless out of cities,” The Conversation,
30 December 2015 [Online]. Accessed 26 February 2018.
http://theconversation.com/defensive-architecture-designing-the-homeless-out-of-cities-52399
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This work is reproduced courtesy of Angelique Chan, Andrew Chau, Cesar Lam, and Michelle Lo and their GP
teacher Peter Wong. Minor edits have been made for clarity of demonstration.
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Exemplar Team Project
www.igcseglobalperspectives.net
Lo, Andrea, “The debate: Is hostile architecture designing people -- and nature -- out of cities?” CNN,
22 December 2017 [Online]. Accessed 26 February 2018.
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/new-dean-harvey-james-furzer-hostile-architecture-debate/inde
x.html
Reflective Paper: Michelle Lo
Evaluation of Project Outcome in Achieving Project Aim
I believe that we were successful in achieving our project aim. Our surveys show that students were
47.1% more informed about hostile architecture after seeing our outcome. However, this measure of
success is somewhat unreliable, as it is purely numerical and involves two different survey sample
populations. To improve accuracy, we should include narrative data from reflections and keep track of
respondents to regulate sample populations.
The outcome was successful because we presented information in an engaging way. For example, we
used fast-paced animations in the documentary to keep our audience’s attention. This made the
content more memorable. We also promoted our video across social networks, which allowed more
people to know about our project and thus raised awareness on a larger scale.
However, our outcome also had its limitations. We included a long yet insightful interview clip;
however, students were uninterested in the prolonged conversation. Additionally, due to poor
communication, we failed to finish uploading the video before class started, so we couldn’t present on
time. Next time, we should consider audience attention when editing clips and discuss in advance to
prepare for technical difficulties.
Evaluation of Project Processes
Our communication was somewhat effective. We created a Skype group to communicate outside of
class, which allowed everyone to contribute ideas and offer instant feedback. However, I believe
meetings could have been more focused, as our computers and other topics often distracted us.
Additionally, members didn’t collaborate much and preferred to work individually, which caused
problems in planning, workload and leadership later on. To improve, we should structure our meetings
beforehand, shut our laptops to ensure concentration and participate more in discussions.
Our planning was somewhat effective. We created a timeline at the beginning - however, we
procrastinated, which caused stressful delays. For example, we completed the voiceovers late, so we
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Exemplar Team Project
www.igcseglobalperspectives.net
had to rush editing. Next time, we should communicate our progress to others and allow for delays in
planning.
Our delegation of responsibilities was somewhat effective. Initially, we evenly delegated
responsibilities to suit each member’s strengths, but roles became unclear over time and created
uneven workloads. For example, our assigned editor also became a researcher and a writer. In future,
we should clarify our roles and agree beforehand on collaborative tasks.
Our leadership was ineffective, as the leader was distracted and actively avoided work. However, the
entire team is to blame for the lack of direction, as every member tried to avoid taking on more
responsibilities. Next time, one person could facilitate meetings and encourage others to be more
focused and decisive in discussions.
Reflection: Evaluation of Individual Performance
I performed well as an animator thanks to my experience in using the Powtoon software, which
enabled me to create interesting and relevant animations. Seeking feedback from my teammates also
improved the quality of my work. For example, although I found it challenging to synchronise the
voiceovers and the animations, my teammates supported me and helped perfect the timing.
I performed somewhat well as an interview organizer. I was successful in arranging interviews because
I proactively contacted organizations, kept track of messages and responded promptly. However, I
underestimated the time needed to organise interviews and delayed my team’s progress. Next time, I
could be more realistic by consulting others when planning and start contacting experts earlier.
I performed poorly as a teammate in general. Though I contributed to discussions and tried to be
supportive, I grew frustrated when people procrastinated and often took over others’ tasks. This was
ineffective as it increased my workload and showed my lack of trust in the team. In future, I must
learn to rely on others and find a balance between providing support and micromanaging.
Reflection: Benefits and Challenges of working in a Team
I learned that working in a team has many benefits. First, efficiency is maximized through the division
of labour. This allows people to utilize their strengths while evading work they are not comfortable
with. For example, I organised interviews because I was skilled in formal writing. Second, working with
a team forces people to be open and receptive to different points of view. Not only can the diversity of
ideas and feedback broaden one’s view, but it can also strengthen the quality of work. In this project,
the team’s constructive criticism was essential in helping us produce an excellent outcome.
I also found that working on a team has its challenges. In a team, members are all dependent on each
other, so it is difficult but necessary to hold oneself accountable. Teamwork requires a sense of
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Exemplar Team Project
www.igcseglobalperspectives.net
responsibility; without this, members will take over others’ tasks, become unproductive and blame
others for mistakes. Teamwork also requires excellent communication, which I personally found the
hardest challenge to overcome, as phrasing constructive criticism without hurting others’ feelings
requires careful thought.
Reflection: Cross-Cultural and Personal Learning
Through this project, I learned that there are many cultural perspectives on hostile architecture. Prior
to research, I had no knowledge of hostile architecture and was alarmed at the purpose and
prevalence of hostile architecture around the world (Wong, 2018). After reading an article by Rachel
Cheung in the South China Morning Post, I also learned that it reflected uncaring official attitudes
towards the needy.
However, I learned to question these sources when Zimmerman offered a contrasting opinion during
his interview. I was amazed to learn that Hong Kong’s hostile architecture wasn’t targeted at the
homeless, but was actually the result of poor design consideration. I was also surprised at how people
overseas agreed with the intentions of hostile architecture and considered them necessary to
maintain public order (Lo, 2017).
Overall, I believe this was a rewarding project on a serious problem. This assignment helped me
understand that many issues aren’t simply black and white, and taught me to appreciate how people
approach seemingly straightforward issues differently. It also helped me identify teamwork skills to
improve on. I’m glad our group chose to address this important yet relatively unknown issue.
998 words
Evidence Document
Link to meeting minutes, evidence of teamwork and collaboration:
https://tinyurl.com/hpz2rf2d
Works Cited
Cheung, Rachel. “How Hong Kong’s hostile architecture hurts city’s homeless and poor.” South China
Morning Post, 20 September 2016 [Online]. Accessed 10 March 2018.
https://tinyurl.com/2rycw5dr
Lo, Andrea. “The debate: Is hostile architecture designing people – and nature – out of cities?” CNN,
22 December 2017 [Online]. Accessed 26 February 2018.
https://tinyurl.com/tsenjk
Wong, Katy. “The rise of hostile architecture.” CNN, 15 February 2018 [Online]. Accessed 15 March
2018.
https://tinyurl.com/476utw5h
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