Anti-homeless Architecture: The Dark Side of Urban Development

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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 that homeless people face.



















Anti-homeless architecture, such as spikes on ledges, benches with armrests, and bollards on sidewalks, aims to prevent homeless individuals from using public spaces for sleeping or resting. However, it also has negative impacts on cities:

Human rights violation: Anti-homeless architecture dehumanizes and criminalizes homelessness, violating the basic human rights of homeless individuals.

Increased homelessness: By denying homeless individuals access to public spaces, anti-homeless architecture can exacerbate homelessness and make it more difficult for homeless individuals to access essential services such as shelters and food.

Deterioration of public spaces: Anti-homeless architecture can make public spaces less welcoming and visually unappealing, deterring both residents and tourists from using them.

Costly and ineffective: Implementing anti-homeless architecture can be expensive, and it does not address the root causes of homelessness.

Damage to city reputation: Anti-homeless architecture can damage a city's reputation, as it sends a message that the city is not welcoming or compassionate to its most vulnerable residents.

Instead of using anti-homeless architecture, cities should focus on providing affordable housing and support services to address homelessness.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to address the issue of anti-homeless architecture and infrastructure and make a difference in homeless resource disparity. Here are some resources that could help:

1. Support organizations that work with homeless people: Organizations such as shelters, food banks, and outreach programs provide essential resources to homeless people and work to address the root causes of homelessness.

2. Advocate for better public policy: Work with local politicians and advocacy groups to push for policies that support homeless people and address the root causes of homelessness. This could include affordable housing initiatives, job training programs, and mental health and substance abuse services.

3. Educate the public: Raise awareness about the issue of anti-homeless architecture and infrastructure and the impact it has on homeless people. Encourage the public to speak out against it and support initiatives that make a positive difference.

4. Participate in urban planning and design: Get involved in the design and planning of urban environments to ensure that they are inclusive and supportive of all members of the community, including homeless people.

Anti-homeless architecture contributes to homelessness and makes it harder for homeless people to access essential resources and reintegrate into society. By supporting organizations that work with homeless people, advocating for better public policy, educating the public, and participating in urban planning and design, a significant difference can be made in homeless resource disparity and promote work toward more inclusive and supportive populated cities and their environment for the walks of urban life. 



Aya Boutwell Winter 2023

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