Hostile Architecture
Have you ever noticed an outdoor benches with spikes, armrests dividing the seats, or seemingly straight benches that turn out to be slanted designs? These are examples of what is known as Hostile architecture or Defensive design, a phenomenon often found in urban environments. Let's look into why designers opt for these approaches and how they impact the community.
What is Hostile Architecture?
It refers to the intentional design of public spaces or infrastructure to prevent certain behaviors or demographics. This form of architecture or design is often implemented to discourage activities such as loitering, sleeping, playing or gathering in public spaces. While it aims to address concerns about safety, cleanliness and orderliness in urban environments, the hostile architecture often has the effect of excluding or marginalizing certain groups of people, particularly those who are homeless or otherwise vulnerable. Despite its extent, there is some resistance challenging hostile architecture, offering hope for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to urban design.
Here are some example. Spikes on the ledge, sloped surface bench and armrests in the seats.
History of Hostile Architecture
Early Times, the earliest forms of hostile architecture can be seen in ancient Europe, where structures like spiked metal fences were used to deter intruders from climbing city walls. Narrow slits in castle walls served both as defensive features and as architectural elements limiting visibility and access.
Industrial Revolution, with the rise of industrialization in the 19th century, cities faced rapid urbanization and overcrowding. Public spaces became contested territories, leading to the implementation of design elements aimed at controlling the behavior of marginalized populations. For instance, benches with armrests or dividers were installed to prevent homeless individuals from sleeping on them.
Modern Era, hostile architecture got more common in the 20th and 21st centuries. Now, you see things like metal spikes on ledges or dividers on benches to stop people from sitting or lying down for too long.
Around the World, cities everywhere use hostile architecture. Famous city have curved benches to discourage sleeping, and another one put spikes under bridges to keep homeless people away.
Why Does It Happen ?
Hostile architecture, which often arises from attempts to control or restrict certain behaviors or demographics within public spaces. It is a reflection of deeper societal issues like inequality and the desire to present cities in an appealing manner to travelers. But it also serves the purpose of excluding individuals who do not conform to a particular image of an ideal city dweller. Some people are unhappy with this approach, viewing it as unfair and unkind. They argue that hostile architecture makes life more difficult for selected groups such as the homeless and others who rely on public spaces. Fortunately, there is growing recognition of these concerns in some cities, leading to discussions about how to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for all residents and visitors. Here are some reasons why it happens.
Discouraging Undesirable Behavior: Implemented to discourage undesirable behaviors such as loitering, sleeping rough, skateboarding, or littering. For example, benches with armrests placed in the middle prevent people from lying down.
Property Protection: Property owners or municipalities may install hostile architecture to protect their property from damage or misuse. Spikes on ledges or walls deter people from sitting or sleeping there, reducing wear and tear.
Perception of Safety: Designers or urban planners might incorporate hostile architecture under the belief that it enhances the perceived safety of an area by deterring activities that are associated with crime or disorder.
Economic Interests: Hostile architecture may also serve economic interests, particularly in commercial areas. For instance, anti-homeless measures might be deployed to maintain a certain image that attracts shoppers and tourists.
Social Exclusion: In some cases, hostile architecture can be a means of social exclusion, targeting marginalized groups such as homeless individuals or youth. It can reinforce social boundaries by making certain spaces inaccessible or uncomfortable for these groups.
Regulatory Pressure: Design decisions might be influenced by regulations or policies that prioritize certain uses of public space over others. This can lead to the implementation of features that restrict certain activities.
Having lived and worked in numerous big cities, I've encountered firsthand the extent of hostile architecture. This design approach exposes the intricate relationship of growing cities between urban design, social dynamics, and power structures. While it may appear sensible at first, hostile architecture often shows inequality and exclusion. Excluding marginalized individuals from public spaces. As our comprehension of public space and urban living move forward, it becomes important to prioritize inclusivity and empathy in design choices. We create environments that are accessible and accommodating to everyone, we can have the opportunity to foster vibrant and thriving communities.