Anti-homeless Architecture: The Dark Side of Urban Development
Homelessness is a growing concern in many cities across the world. While there are many factors that contribute to homelessness, anti-homeless architecture and infrastructure play a significant role in exacerbating the problem. Anti-homeless architecture and infrastructure refer to the design and construction of urban environments that actively prevent homeless people from finding shelter or accessing essential resources. Examples include benches with armrests to prevent people from sleeping on them, spikes on window sills to discourage people from seeking refuge in doorways, and the removal of public restrooms. Not only is anti-homeless architecture and infrastructure sensitively harmful, but it is also counterproductive. By making it harder for homeless people to find shelter and access resources, it makes it harder for them to get back on their feet and reintegrate into society. Furthermore, it sends a message that they are not welcome and reinforces the stigma and discrimination t