Hostile Architecture: A Harmful Solution

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As homelessness starts to rise in many states, many actions have started to take place, one of them being hostile architecture. Hostile architecture is an architectural design intended to deter certain activities and restrict people from using that public space. Hostile architecture goes unnoticed by most people, as they don't affect them. Some examples of hostile architecture involve:
  • Armrests on benches
  • Curved or slanted benches
  • Rocky pavements
  • Bike racks and planter boxes in a line
  • Window sills with spikes
In Portland, Oregon, the hostile architecture are focused towards the homeless and preventing camping.
Since 2013, the state agency has spent over $1 million on what is described as "rockscape landscaping" to keep homeless campers off property owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation. In downtown Portland, NW Broadway, dozens of lined up bike racks were installed in. The area isn't an active destination, so the need for that many bike racks isn't necessary and is likely trying to prevent camping.

https://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-02-at-8.04.34-AM.png

Oregon is known for its green marketing and nature, but these forms of architecture are starting to replace that. Boulders will prevent camping and shelter for the homeless, but it will also smother any grass or plants on that terrain. Portland has attempted to disguise some of these intentions as environmentally friendly actions such as putting planter boxes on sidewalks, but the flowers aren't taken care off and all that remains are planters in the middle of the sidewalk.

The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has 6 considerations that apply to the current state of urban design.

  1. Marking spaces with signs and fences to deter improper use in both public and private areas
  2. Natural surveillance reduces privacy, making it easier to observe in a space
  3. Access controls restricting entry points, limiting movement and may include security measures
  4. Activity support designates areas for approved activities and encourage proper behavior
  5. Image and management, maintaining buildings based on public perception, removing sites for health concerns and removing graffiti
  6. Target hardening by making other securities stronger by adding more security measures

Hostile architecture receives lots of criticism. The architecture looks ugly and unethical as well as making it harder to be comfortable. Keeping amenities from the troublesome has limited public access to everyone else, primarily those with disabilities. It is indeed effective at preventing camping or homeless sleeping in specific areas, but it does not address the issues or causes of homelessness at all. Businesses and government want them to leave that area, but that means they will become a problem somewhere else. Whether people agree or disagree upon installing hostile architecture, everyone is affected by it.



Sources cited and further reading:

Cellini, M. (n.d.). Design Against Humanity. National Coalition For The Homeless. https://nationalhomeless.org/design-against-humanity/ Photo #1

(2023, October 2). Understanding Hostile Architecture: The Cause and Effect of Restricting Public Space. The Neighborhood Design Center. https://ndc-md.org/news-and-stories/understanding-hostile-architecture-the-cause-and-effect-of-restricting

Hamilton, L. (2023, December 11). Urbanism 101: Hostile Architecture. The Urbanist. https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/12/11/urbanism-101-hostile-architecture/

Babnick, G. (2019, October 30). Driving Out the Homeless with Spikes, Ear Piercing Sounds, and Water Torture. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hostile-architecture-george-babnick

Maus, J. (2022, June 2). Downtown property owner installs dozens of bike racks on sidewalk without a permit. BikePortland. https://bikeportland.org/2022/06/02/downtown-property-owner-installs-dozens-of-bike-racks-on-sidewalk-without-a-permit-355281 Photo #2

McFadden, C. (2023, April 8). 15 examples of 'anti-homeless' hostile architecture common to cities. Interesting Engineering. https://interestingengineering.com/culture/15-examples-of-anti-homeless-hostile-architecture-that-you-probably-never-noticed-before

Rodriguez, C. (2023, November 9). A perspective on hostile architecture. PSU Vanguard. https://psuvanguard.com/a-perspective-on-hostile-architecture/

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