{"id":12068,"date":"2019-05-15T10:06:11","date_gmt":"2019-05-15T14:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-537697-2997182.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=12068"},"modified":"2022-10-09T07:35:49","modified_gmt":"2022-10-09T11:35:49","slug":"hostile-architecture-a-look-into-the-horrifying-anti-homeless-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress-537697-2997182.cloudwaysapps.com\/hostile-architecture-a-look-into-the-horrifying-anti-homeless-trend\/","title":{"rendered":"Hostile Architecture: A Look into the Horrifying Anti-Homeless Trend"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When you sit on a city bench or wait for a bus, you might not even notice the bars, spikes, and slants built into the furniture. If you do, it\u2019s only for a fleeting moment that you give these odd architectural elements much thought. Perhaps you think the handles in between the slanted bench were put there to afford more personal space. You might assume the bars positioned at the corner of a street are mere decorations. Oh, and those sharp, razorlike spike growing up out of the concrete? A subtle nod to the movie Saw? No\u2026<\/p>\n

All of the aforementioned urban features are actually examples of hostile architecture. To soften the label, some clever developers have taken to calling it \u201cdefensive design.\u201d It\u2019s high time the general public knows the truth, though. No matter what label these rough components are given, their sole purpose is making homelessness that much harder.<\/p>\n

What is Hostile Architecture and How Can You Recognize it in Your Neighborhood?<\/h4>\n

In short, hostile architecture is any uncomfortable element built into a piece or multiple pieces of furniture in an attempt to deter homeless people from using it. Take a walk through your city on any given day or night. You might notice one or more of the following:<\/p>\n

Separated benches<\/h4>\n

If you note handles or bars that seem to \u201csection off\u201d a public bench, know that those features were not designed to give bus riders space while they wait for transit. They were put there to deter homeless people from lounging or sleeping there.<\/p>\n

Slanted benches<\/h4>\n

A big trend in New York City and other metropolitan areas across the globe is building \u201cleaning bars\u201d or benches that sit intentionally on a slant. The goal here is to make sitting near impossible. If you are homeless and in need of a place to even just sit down for a moment, options will be scarce in cities that implement slanted bench architecture.<\/p>\n

Spikes<\/h4>\n

If you spot sharp metal objects rising unnaturally out of a sidewalk, building, or even a tree, those elements were meant to make a point. They were put there specifically to discourage homeless people from sitting, resting, sleeping, or taking any kind of comfort. Sadly, they are also often there to fend off animals who might wish to share in the landscape, which is rightfully theirs, too.<\/p>\n

Bars<\/h4>\n

Bars that barricade street corners are meant to prevent panhandling. These make it close to impossible for people to dwell on street corners and ask for provisions.<\/p>\n

Fences<\/h4>\n

Ironically, fences are already a form of separation and a symbol of the elusive \u201cAmerican Dream\u201d. When we see them plastered over doorways or wrapped around property, they are there to separate homeless people from the rest of the city\u2019s inhabitants and keep them that much further from achieving the \u201cAmerican Dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slopes<\/h4>\n

These features are a bit like the slants built into benches, except they are placed low to the ground, in front of public doorways. They are a silent but ruthless way to say \u201cNo rest for the weary here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some Types of Hostile Architecture are a Bit More Difficult to Spot<\/h4>\n

Hostile architecture isn\u2019t always so easy to see. For example, hidden surveillance cameras often serve the purpose of over-monitoring homeless people. Cameras keep track of their whereabouts so future designers know just where to place their spikes next. Other, less visible but equally prevalent designs that fit this description include:<\/p>\n