The Aggressive Architecture That is Sending a Harsh Message

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Hostile architecture is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “the design of public spaces in a way that stops unwanted behavior, for example putting spikes (= pieces of metal with a sharp point) in doorways to stop people who have nowhere to live from sleeping there”. 

This style of architecture has been seemingly becoming more and more prevalent in modern urban planning settings and even within more suburban areas. Common examples of hostile architecture are benches that are divided by arm rests or unconventionally shaped seats such as the ones found at the Providence Park Max Eastbound station which look like different punctuation marks. 


The main point of hostile architecture is to prevent unwanted behavior, that behavior most often being homeless people sleeping in public areas. Of course, creating these strange and uncomfortable benches prevents people from sleeping there, but oftentimes hostile architecture goes beyond that.


Hostile architecture can also include a lack of areas to sit down at, which is harmful to those with mobility issues. Areas where benches could be located may be replaced by a numerous amount of bike racks or trees placed strategically along sidewalks that would prevent homeless people from setting up camp there. Although these things are nice additions to the city, a lack of usable benches helps no one. Hostile architecture does nothing to prevent the problem of homelessness, it only attempts to keep it out of sight. 


References: 

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/hostile-architecture 

https://www.sistersoftheroad.org/news/hostile-architecture-behind-the-buzzword 

https://psuvanguard.com/get-off-our-lawn-portlands-hostile-architecture-betrays-our-citys-houseless-attitudes/

https://psuvanguard.com/a-perspective-on-hostile-architecture/ 


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