Abstract
The field of Design Criticism clarifies that usually overlooked everyday objects, such as manhole covers, also reflect the intense complexity of contemporary society – the straightforward design of such urban infrastructure includes both multifunctionality and socio-environmental issues. Descriptive and exploratory research was undertaken to identify and describe: functions; materiality; cultural, and social significance of manhole lids, given the scarcity of studies on the subject. The qualitative research was supported by a literature review and ‘case studies’. Findings suggest that the geographical placement, the slip-resistant patterns, and the overall shape of manholes provide insights into social settings, cultural diversity, and site-specific artistic expressions. Manholes play a vital role in urban safety, and their absence highlights underlying issues such as social inequalities and the risk of floods and accidents, ultimately affecting circulation and quality of life. The lids complement urban wayfinding systems, enhancing the walking experience, and, when site-specific, they may preserve collective memory of landmarks and commemorations. Manholes can also be associated with new artistic interventions, such as the screen-printing fashion performances in Europe and the Japanese ‘Manhōru Mania,’ which fosters tourism, engaging communities in designing infrastructure that reflects cultural heritage and local symbolism. Manholes are at the core of scientific and technological experiments, integrating IoT and AI for real-time monitoring of smart urban systems, and improving urban infrastructure management and safety. In conclusion, manhole lids encompass narratives of social, cultural, historical, and technological relevance. Further studies could assess the co-creation process of commemorative site-specific manholes in European and Japanese scenarios.
Presenters
Alice Araujo Marques De SáStudent, PhD, School of Architecture of the University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal Pedro Cortesão Monteiro
Associate Professor, Design Department, Lisbon School of Architecture, Portugal
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Product Design, Urban Infrastructure, Manhole Covers, Cultural Expression
