You are looking at a little signal about our society - short metal bars which are an indication of a big problem.

20, 30, 50 years ago these little bars weren't necessary in the US.  

Today we face the unpleasant task of keeping people from sleeping, and living, in public places.  Especially warm places (image above) next to building HVAC exhaust grates.

Any accessible flat surface longer than 6 feet which is raised off the ground just enough to preserve the little human dignity a homeless person has left - must be updated, i.e. "redesigned" so sleeping on it isn't "confortable".  

Look around - pretty scary sign of the times.  Not to worry though, our legislators are on it!