What exactly is Hostile Architecture? In simple words, it is a structure made in a way to create an inconvenience to a certain group of individuals - most commonly - the homeless and less fortunate. So let's take the example of a chair, a chair can be purposefully made of metal and have a very uncomfortable design to sit and sleep. Why exactly was the chair made in such a way - to prevent the homeless from sleeping on it... In today's article, we will learn a bit about Hostile architecture and how it is widening the disparity between rich and poor.
Historical Background
Hostile architecture has been around for ages, you and I might have known about this because it has been cleverly kept in the darkness from the public, but governments around the world have implemented this in their own way to retain their reputation and a clean, pure full of prosperity and no crime.
Take the Victorian era for example, the Victorian era is known to be a period of prosperity where wealth flowed in the streets of Venice and everyone was happy and prosperous.
The reality was quite different, there was massive wealth disparity, servants were treated worse than dogs and there was a lack of affordable public toilets and cheap infrastructure. Europe did everything in its power to cover it and used Hostile architecture to prevent showing its dark side, with early examples including anti-urination devices on buildings, However, the 20th and 21st centuries saw the evolution of these designs into more sophisticated forms.
Example of Hostile Architecture in NYC
NYC has several examples of Hostile architecture and has become quite obvious hence it has come into the limelight and we are talking about it.
If you go to the center.l park or the surrounding tourist spots, Hostile architecture is extremely common, public spaces and benches are often designed with armrests, not for comfort, but to prevent individuals from lying down. Parks and plazas feature spiked surfaces on ledges and flat areas, preventing people from sitting or sleeping. These measures are aimed at the homeless to prevent them from sleeping on these benches hence somewhat preserving the reputation of New York
If you go to transportation hubs like the subway, hostile architecture is prevalent subway stations and bus stops frequently incorporate sloped seating, making it uncomfortable to sit for long periods. . Sloped window sills and segregated seating areas are purposefully made to prevent the homeless from sleeping.
Implications and Criticisms
Hostile architecture has raised several concerns about human rights etc. Public spaces are meant to be free for everyone but using hostile architecture filters that to only the ones who can afford luxuries. There are concerns about the social and economic impacts of hostile architecture. Making public spaces less welcoming can affect not only homeless individuals but also other members of the public, reducing the vibrancy and attractiveness of urban areas. This can affect local businesses and reduce the overall quality of life in cities.
image credits: indesignlive.com
Comments