What does it feel like to be spoken to on the street? And how does your own behavior affect someone else?

With the interactive installation ‘Street Exploration’, young people get the opportunity to explore these questions in a safe and visual way. The installation aims to raise awareness about sexual street harassment and to encourage positive interactions in public space.

Street Exploration features a projected image of a person on a wall, combined with a mirror installation and informational elements around it. Using motion and sound sensors, the projection responds to what young people say. Positive words cause the figure to grow and flourish. Negative or intimidating comments make the projection shrink — and with repeated negative behavior, the figure eventually disappears entirely, making further interaction impossible.

Street harassment and identity

The installation was developed as part of the graduation research of Robin Smits (TU Delft) under our ambition ‘Youth engagement and participation’. Young people in Rotterdam and Delft shared that social norms around sexual street harassment are often unclear. It’s not always obvious what behavior is considered acceptable — and what is not.

For many young people, the street is a place to explore boundaries and shape their social identity. They often navigate between the expectations of parents, school, and peers, while seeking space on the street to express themselves and feel they belong. This dynamic plays a crucial role in how they experience — and sometimes engage in — street harassment.

Co-created with young people

From the very beginning, young people were closely involved in the development and design of the installation. Through creative sessions at schools and youth centers, they co-designed the projection, crafted mirrors, and created collages to shape the interaction. The result is an installation that reflects their world and encourages critical reflection on their own behavior.

Street Exploration quite literally makes young people’s voices seen and heard — and shows the impact that words can have.

Photographer (pictures below): Rhalda Jansen