Hostile Architecture - why is it a problem?

 

People imagine cities as packed communities full of people and public spaces positively interacting with one another. However, often hidden in plain sight, it is clear that the environment is not as welcoming as it seems for all members of society. Even if it is as simple as a curve or arm rest on a bench…

‘Hostile architecture’ is an urban design strategy that uses elements of the built environment to purposefully guide or restrict behaviour. It is designed to be uncomfortable to those who rely on public spaces such as the youth and in particular, the homeless.

Metal spikes under a sheltered area outside of residential flats in London.

Hostile architecture can take many forms in infrastructure and installations (usually found in cities or densely populated areas) such as metal bars on benches, slanted perching seats and anti-homeless spikes. Hostile architecture sends out a very clear signal that certain people in the community are not wanted.


Benches installed by Camden’s local council in 2012, designed to prevent people getting comfortable.

Hostile architecture can be argued to positively impact public spaces by controlling the way in which space is used, such as reducing anti-social behaviour by limiting the amount of time people spend in areas. However, many individuals think hostile architecture is irrational, and lacks morality to all in society. It punishes the homeless in a negatively reactive way by hiding and pushing away these equal members of communities instead of solving the problem at the root, providing more accessibility, housing and support.

It doesn’t solve homelessness, it simply puts these people who are in need of help, out of sight and therefore feeds into the image that the homeless are seen as a ‘nuisance’ and a problem that shouldn’t be allowed in public environments.

Instead of funding hostile pieces of infrastructure, i believe governments should be making an investment into providing shelter and housing. This not only supports the elimination of homelessness, but also makes cities more functional and comfortable, bringing communities closer together. Hostile architecture will never solve societies problems and change must be made.







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sacred Geometry & Humane Architecture

Image
Sacred Geometry & Humane Architecture Sacred Geometry:  Sacred definition: does not mean ‘holy’, but rather pertains to certain truths of mathematical and geometric constructs that are rooted in deep meaning both as microcosmic and macro cosmic scales. ‘It is our own sacred connection with creation eternity and the totally of the great ecosystems, inner and outer’. - Plato defined a range of Platonic solids in which he posted that each form represented an element and were so elegant and essential that they make up our entire universe. These forms Were defined as: Cube (earth) Pyramid (fire) Octahedron (air) Dodecahedron (ether) Icosahedrons (water) - The idea of these cosmic building blocks remains and resonates today. Microcosmic and macrocosmic relationship. The whole related to the parts and the parts related to the whole. - Mans fascination with the forms of our cosmos has constant. From the astronomers of the ancient Arab worlds through to he philosopher and mathematician...
Read more

Japanese Architecture

Image
I have found Japanese architecture very interesting to research in this weeks blog as it differs in many ways to that of European architecture that i have been previously looking at… Japanese structures are traditionally built for the summer and therefore are very open and lack a sense of ‘security’. They typically may feature transparent, sliding doors as the main access into the house. The Japanese share spaces such as gardens with their neighbours. Traditionally, structures are built from wood and elevated off the ground with tiled/ thatched roofs. Spaces are extremely functional, for example walls can be partitioned by grooves in the floor to slide and allow easy change to the layout and therefore use of the space. This a clever use of material as it can create different environments in summer or winter depending on how the partitions are arranged, somewhat acting as ‘clothes’ for the house. The word ‘ shoji ’ is a term to describe the partitions between rooms. This can make the li...
Read more

70s Architecture and Interior Design

Image
  ‘Brutalist’’ architecture emerged during the 1950’s and its style rose in popularity until it peaked during the mid 70’s. Hans Asplund, a Swedish architect created the word ‘’brutalist architectural style’ to characterise the Villa Goth in Uppsala, which he designed in 1949. It originated from the French word ‘Beton brut’’ meaning ‘ready mixed concrete’. It is also used by Le Corbusier to describe the type of material he uses for his architectural works. (Villa Goth pictured below). Known for its use of functional reinforced concrete and steel, modular elements and utilitarian feel, Bruutalist architecture was primarily used for commercial and institutional buildings however is seen a lot today still as was used for creating critically needed housing. Brutalist architecture declined in popularity heading into the 1980s, due to the cold and harsh nature. It also didn’t age well in British weather with concrete often showing signs of damage and decay that brought down the overall a...
Read more